The near-simultaneous attacks in Paris that killed at least 128 people were an "act of war" organised by the Islamic State (IS) militant group, French President Francois Hollande says.
He said the attacks, carried out by eight gunmen and suicide bombers, were "organised and planned from outside".
The targets included bars, restaurants, a concert and a high-profile football match. IS claimed the attacks.
Several arrests have been made in Belgium, the justice minister says
http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-34820016
SALUTARY IMPACT
SALUTARY IMPACT (HOSPITALITY AND PROPERTY MANAGEMENT)CALL +33605867728
Saturday 14 November 2015
What is the difference between intelligence and knowledge?
According to Paul Schmehl, Intelligence is the ability to grasp complex information. Knowledge is the memory of the complex information you have grasped. Think of a GPS. It has the ability to ingest copious amounts of mathematical information and transform it into location information. That's intelligence. It also has the ability to store that information so that you can recall it when needed. That's knowledge.
Paris attacks: Bataclan and other assaults leave many dead
France has declared a national state of emergency and tightened borders after at least 120 people were killed in a night of gun and bomb attacks in Paris.
Eighty people were reported killed after gunmen burst into the Bataclan concert hall and took dozens hostage.
The siege ended when security forces stormed the building.
People were shot dead at bars and restaurants at five other sites in Paris. Eight attackers are reported to have been killed.
Police believed all of the gunmen were dead but it was unclear if any accomplices were still on the run after the string of near-simultaneous attacks.
Paris residents have been asked to stay indoors and about 1,500 military personnel are being deployed across the city.
http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-34814203
Eighty people were reported killed after gunmen burst into the Bataclan concert hall and took dozens hostage.
The siege ended when security forces stormed the building.
People were shot dead at bars and restaurants at five other sites in Paris. Eight attackers are reported to have been killed.
Police believed all of the gunmen were dead but it was unclear if any accomplices were still on the run after the string of near-simultaneous attacks.
Paris residents have been asked to stay indoors and about 1,500 military personnel are being deployed across the city.
http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-34814203
Siege to Dasuki’s home an act of lawlessness – Court
* Insists he is free to travel abroad for medical attention
*Summons AGF
*Dasuki suffering cancer, says his life is under threat
*DSS still at Dasuki residence as at 8pm yesterday
By Ikechukwu Nnochiri
JUSTICE Ademola Adeniyi of the Abuja Division of the Federal High Court, yesterday, berated the Federal Government for disobeying his order to allow former National Security Adviser, NSA, Col. Sambo Dasuki, retd, to travel abroad for medication.
Consequently, he summoned the new Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, SAN, to appear before him on Monday, to explain why Dasuki has remained under house arrest for the past nine days.
Col. Sambo Dasuki (rtd.): Former NSA
Col. Sambo Dasuki (rtd.): Former NSA
Justice Adeniyi maintained that the AGF should be ready to explain why an order the court made on November 3, permitting Dasuki to travel abroad for medical attention was violated.
The summon on the AGF was sequel to complaint by Dasuki’s lawyers, led by Mr. Joseph Daudu, SAN, that armed operatives of the Department of State Service, DSS, barred their client from stepping out of his house.
Daudu told the court that the operatives have continued to lay siege to Dasuki’s residence at No 13 John Kadiya Street, Asokoro District, Abuja , with a view to preventing him from travelling abroad for medical treatment.
Operatives of the Directorate of State Security were still at the house of former National Security Adviser as at 8 pm last night, many hours after Justice Adeniyi described their action as lawlessness.
A statement on the imbroglio yesterday night said, “In response to media enquiry after the court judgement, the armed operatives of DSS are still by the Residence of Ex-NSA Sambo Dasuki at No 13 John Kadiya Street Asokoro as at 8pm today”.
Meanwhile, the prosecution counsel, Mr. Shuaibu Labaran, who declined to confirm or deny the presence of security operatives at Dasuki’s house in breach of the court order, yesterday, insisted that the ex-NSA was being investigated over his alleged complicity in a fresh money laundering case.
His response drew the irk of Justice Adeniyi, who lambasted the DSS for not respecting a valid court order. “I have made an order which has to be obeyed and the order is to the effect that the accused be allowed to go abroad as from November 4 to treat his ailment within three weeks and return to the court on November 26 for his trial in the charges brought against him. I stand by my order, nobody is saying that the man should not be investigated but the order must be obeyed and I am not ready to bend on the order.
“I even varied the bail conditions to accommodate a surety to ensure that the accused comes back to answer the charges against him. No big deal in any new investigation, it is even a small matter to the earlier charge. I do not want this issue to escalate because it is attracting global attention and I know what that means, so my order must not be flouted.
“If you have any further issue with him, let him go for his medical check-up and come back. It is the duty of all Nigerians to ensure that court orders are obeyed. I am not too happy with what is happening. It is an act of lawlessness and I believe it is not too early for the AGF to look into this mess.
“The AGF has to come to my court immediately. It is in the best interest of the nation, so that the scenario will not continue. It is important that the AGF, being the Chief Law Officer of the Federation, be present in this court on Monday,” the Judge said.
Justice Adeniyi had in a ruling on November 3, okayed Dasuki to travel to the United Kingdom over his “deteriorating health condition.”
My life under threat – Dasuki
The former NSA who is being prosecuted on a five-count charge bordering on money laundering and alleged possession of illegal firearms, told the court that he was suffering from cancer.
Meanwhile, in a fundamental right enforcement application he filed pursuant to section 36(5) 37 and 41 of the 1999 Constitution, as well as, sections 1(1) and (2) and 266 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act 2015, Dasuki alleged that his life is currently under threat.
He is praying the court to uphold his rights to dignity and security of life.
He is also seeking a mandatory order compelling the Federal Government and its agents, especially operatives of the DSS, to vacate his house.
Femi Fani Kayode, others in court to support Dasuki
Though Dasuki was not in court when his application was heard yesterday, among his well wishers who attended the proceedings included the former Minister of Aviation and Director Media and Publicity of the Goodluck Jonathan Campaign Organization during the 2015 general elections, Mr. Femi Fani Kayode.
Fani-Kayode said he was in court to show solidarity to Dasuki, even as he berated the DSS for not respecting a valid order of the court.
He said: “I have come here to express solidarity with the former NSA, Col. Sambo Dasuki, and I am outraged about the way in which he has been treated. All of us worked together particularly during the presidential campaign even though we lost the election.
“It is most important that we stand by our own. I think that it is a little bit disconcerting when security agents camp at somebody’s gate and court orders are breached.
“I am happy that in this country, we have the rule of law and people can come to court when their rights are being violated. I am here to stand in complete solidarity with him.
“It is very important for him and all these people who are being marginalised, criminalised or intimidated in this country today to know that they are not alone.
“Some of us have been through this over a period of time. We have been through persecutions in this country. It is at a time like this that you know who your real friends are. Dasuki is a good man, he is a man we have absolute faith in. He is a man of the future and we stand strong with him. That is why I am here today,” he said.
Former governor of Adamawa State, Mr. Boni Haruna, who stood surety for Dasuki, was invited for questioning by the DSS immediately he left the court on November 3.
The Federal Government had insisted that the National Hospital in Abuja is well equipped to handle whatever ailment from which Dasuki is suffering.
Nevertheless, in dismissing Federal Government’s objections against Dasuki, Justice Adeniyi held that, “every citizen has a right to choose the medical facility in which he wants to be treated, in Nigeria or abroad.”
Placing reliance on decided case in Abacha vs State, 2002, 5-NWLR, the court further held that ill-health constituted a special circumstance that a court should take notice of to exercise its discretion in favour of an accused person.
Justice Adeniyi said that the Federal Government failed to persuade it with the argument that Dasuki is currently a subject of a fresh criminal investigation.
On Dasuki’s application for the release of his international passport and Federal Government’s opposition on the ground that it was the only document he surrendered to secure bail on self recognition, the court dismissed the argument as “misconceived and not tenable in law.”
The court stressed that the fact that the accused was on September 1, granted bail on self recognition, meant that there was no condition attached to his release.
Maintaining that every accused person, in line with section 36(5) of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, ought to be presumed innocent until proved guilty, the trial judge said his decision to grant Dasuki’s request was also fortified by a decided case law in Ibori vs FRN which he said was on all fours with the instant case before him.
“Accordingly, the application of the defendant succeeds and I hereby make the following orders;
“An order is hereby made by this court releasing the applicant’s international passport to enable him to travel abroad for three weeks for medical treatment owing to his deteriorating health condition.
“The Deputy Registrar of the Federal High Court is hereby directed to release the international passport to the defendant.
“It is also ordered that the defendant, upon his return to the country, should surrender his international passport to the Deputy Chief Registrar Litigation, within 72 hours upon his return,” the court ruled.
Justice Adeniyi relied on section 1 75 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015, and varied the bail it earlier granted the former NSA to include that he should provide a surety.
The court directed that the surety must sign a written undertaking to guarantee that the accused person will return to Nigeria after his medical treatment, to face his trial, “failing which the surety will take the place of the defendant pending when he makes himself available for trial.”
“Alternatively, any of the lawyers to the defendant can enter an undertaking to produce him on the trial date”, Justice Adeniyi added.
Dasuki was in the substantive charge before the court, alleged to have kept in his possession, funds that were proceeds of an unlawful act, an offence the Federal Government said was contrary to section 15 (2)(d) of Money Laundering Prohibition Act 2011.
The Federal Government alleged that he was on July 17, 2015, at his house situated at No. 13, John Khadiya Street, Asokoro, Abuja, found to be in possession of various range of firearms without requisite license, an offence punishable under section 27 (1)(a) of the Firearms Act Cap F28 LFN 2004.
He was further accused of retaining the sums of $40,000, N5millon and another $20,000 in the same house and same date, contrary to section 15 (2)(d) of Money Laundering Prohibition Act 2011. FG told the trial court that the ex-NSA had on July 16, 2015, at his residence at Sultan Abubakar Road and Sabon Birni Road, Sokoto State, retained another $150,000 and N37.6m being part of proceedings of unlawful act, contrary to Section 15 (3) of the Money Laundering Act 2011. It listed the alleged illegal arms it found at Dasuki’s residence in Abuja as five Tavor Assault Rifles, 1 Macro Uzi with serial No 60244(Rifle), 20 magazines (Ammunition), 1 packet of MOD (Ministry of Defence) APG calibre gun, Luger No 033375 ( gun), small magazine containing 16 rounds of ammunition, and bigger magazine containing live rounds of ammunition.
The former NSA had since pleaded not guilty to the charge against him.
http://www.vanguardngr.com/2015/11/siege-to-dasukis-home-an-act-of-lawlessness-court/#top
*Summons AGF
*Dasuki suffering cancer, says his life is under threat
*DSS still at Dasuki residence as at 8pm yesterday
By Ikechukwu Nnochiri
JUSTICE Ademola Adeniyi of the Abuja Division of the Federal High Court, yesterday, berated the Federal Government for disobeying his order to allow former National Security Adviser, NSA, Col. Sambo Dasuki, retd, to travel abroad for medication.
Consequently, he summoned the new Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, SAN, to appear before him on Monday, to explain why Dasuki has remained under house arrest for the past nine days.
Col. Sambo Dasuki (rtd.): Former NSA
Col. Sambo Dasuki (rtd.): Former NSA
Justice Adeniyi maintained that the AGF should be ready to explain why an order the court made on November 3, permitting Dasuki to travel abroad for medical attention was violated.
The summon on the AGF was sequel to complaint by Dasuki’s lawyers, led by Mr. Joseph Daudu, SAN, that armed operatives of the Department of State Service, DSS, barred their client from stepping out of his house.
Daudu told the court that the operatives have continued to lay siege to Dasuki’s residence at No 13 John Kadiya Street, Asokoro District, Abuja , with a view to preventing him from travelling abroad for medical treatment.
Operatives of the Directorate of State Security were still at the house of former National Security Adviser as at 8 pm last night, many hours after Justice Adeniyi described their action as lawlessness.
A statement on the imbroglio yesterday night said, “In response to media enquiry after the court judgement, the armed operatives of DSS are still by the Residence of Ex-NSA Sambo Dasuki at No 13 John Kadiya Street Asokoro as at 8pm today”.
Meanwhile, the prosecution counsel, Mr. Shuaibu Labaran, who declined to confirm or deny the presence of security operatives at Dasuki’s house in breach of the court order, yesterday, insisted that the ex-NSA was being investigated over his alleged complicity in a fresh money laundering case.
His response drew the irk of Justice Adeniyi, who lambasted the DSS for not respecting a valid court order. “I have made an order which has to be obeyed and the order is to the effect that the accused be allowed to go abroad as from November 4 to treat his ailment within three weeks and return to the court on November 26 for his trial in the charges brought against him. I stand by my order, nobody is saying that the man should not be investigated but the order must be obeyed and I am not ready to bend on the order.
“I even varied the bail conditions to accommodate a surety to ensure that the accused comes back to answer the charges against him. No big deal in any new investigation, it is even a small matter to the earlier charge. I do not want this issue to escalate because it is attracting global attention and I know what that means, so my order must not be flouted.
“If you have any further issue with him, let him go for his medical check-up and come back. It is the duty of all Nigerians to ensure that court orders are obeyed. I am not too happy with what is happening. It is an act of lawlessness and I believe it is not too early for the AGF to look into this mess.
“The AGF has to come to my court immediately. It is in the best interest of the nation, so that the scenario will not continue. It is important that the AGF, being the Chief Law Officer of the Federation, be present in this court on Monday,” the Judge said.
Justice Adeniyi had in a ruling on November 3, okayed Dasuki to travel to the United Kingdom over his “deteriorating health condition.”
My life under threat – Dasuki
The former NSA who is being prosecuted on a five-count charge bordering on money laundering and alleged possession of illegal firearms, told the court that he was suffering from cancer.
Meanwhile, in a fundamental right enforcement application he filed pursuant to section 36(5) 37 and 41 of the 1999 Constitution, as well as, sections 1(1) and (2) and 266 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act 2015, Dasuki alleged that his life is currently under threat.
He is praying the court to uphold his rights to dignity and security of life.
He is also seeking a mandatory order compelling the Federal Government and its agents, especially operatives of the DSS, to vacate his house.
Femi Fani Kayode, others in court to support Dasuki
Though Dasuki was not in court when his application was heard yesterday, among his well wishers who attended the proceedings included the former Minister of Aviation and Director Media and Publicity of the Goodluck Jonathan Campaign Organization during the 2015 general elections, Mr. Femi Fani Kayode.
Fani-Kayode said he was in court to show solidarity to Dasuki, even as he berated the DSS for not respecting a valid order of the court.
He said: “I have come here to express solidarity with the former NSA, Col. Sambo Dasuki, and I am outraged about the way in which he has been treated. All of us worked together particularly during the presidential campaign even though we lost the election.
“It is most important that we stand by our own. I think that it is a little bit disconcerting when security agents camp at somebody’s gate and court orders are breached.
“I am happy that in this country, we have the rule of law and people can come to court when their rights are being violated. I am here to stand in complete solidarity with him.
“It is very important for him and all these people who are being marginalised, criminalised or intimidated in this country today to know that they are not alone.
“Some of us have been through this over a period of time. We have been through persecutions in this country. It is at a time like this that you know who your real friends are. Dasuki is a good man, he is a man we have absolute faith in. He is a man of the future and we stand strong with him. That is why I am here today,” he said.
Former governor of Adamawa State, Mr. Boni Haruna, who stood surety for Dasuki, was invited for questioning by the DSS immediately he left the court on November 3.
The Federal Government had insisted that the National Hospital in Abuja is well equipped to handle whatever ailment from which Dasuki is suffering.
Nevertheless, in dismissing Federal Government’s objections against Dasuki, Justice Adeniyi held that, “every citizen has a right to choose the medical facility in which he wants to be treated, in Nigeria or abroad.”
Placing reliance on decided case in Abacha vs State, 2002, 5-NWLR, the court further held that ill-health constituted a special circumstance that a court should take notice of to exercise its discretion in favour of an accused person.
Justice Adeniyi said that the Federal Government failed to persuade it with the argument that Dasuki is currently a subject of a fresh criminal investigation.
On Dasuki’s application for the release of his international passport and Federal Government’s opposition on the ground that it was the only document he surrendered to secure bail on self recognition, the court dismissed the argument as “misconceived and not tenable in law.”
The court stressed that the fact that the accused was on September 1, granted bail on self recognition, meant that there was no condition attached to his release.
Maintaining that every accused person, in line with section 36(5) of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, ought to be presumed innocent until proved guilty, the trial judge said his decision to grant Dasuki’s request was also fortified by a decided case law in Ibori vs FRN which he said was on all fours with the instant case before him.
“Accordingly, the application of the defendant succeeds and I hereby make the following orders;
“An order is hereby made by this court releasing the applicant’s international passport to enable him to travel abroad for three weeks for medical treatment owing to his deteriorating health condition.
“The Deputy Registrar of the Federal High Court is hereby directed to release the international passport to the defendant.
“It is also ordered that the defendant, upon his return to the country, should surrender his international passport to the Deputy Chief Registrar Litigation, within 72 hours upon his return,” the court ruled.
Justice Adeniyi relied on section 1 75 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015, and varied the bail it earlier granted the former NSA to include that he should provide a surety.
The court directed that the surety must sign a written undertaking to guarantee that the accused person will return to Nigeria after his medical treatment, to face his trial, “failing which the surety will take the place of the defendant pending when he makes himself available for trial.”
“Alternatively, any of the lawyers to the defendant can enter an undertaking to produce him on the trial date”, Justice Adeniyi added.
Dasuki was in the substantive charge before the court, alleged to have kept in his possession, funds that were proceeds of an unlawful act, an offence the Federal Government said was contrary to section 15 (2)(d) of Money Laundering Prohibition Act 2011.
The Federal Government alleged that he was on July 17, 2015, at his house situated at No. 13, John Khadiya Street, Asokoro, Abuja, found to be in possession of various range of firearms without requisite license, an offence punishable under section 27 (1)(a) of the Firearms Act Cap F28 LFN 2004.
He was further accused of retaining the sums of $40,000, N5millon and another $20,000 in the same house and same date, contrary to section 15 (2)(d) of Money Laundering Prohibition Act 2011. FG told the trial court that the ex-NSA had on July 16, 2015, at his residence at Sultan Abubakar Road and Sabon Birni Road, Sokoto State, retained another $150,000 and N37.6m being part of proceedings of unlawful act, contrary to Section 15 (3) of the Money Laundering Act 2011. It listed the alleged illegal arms it found at Dasuki’s residence in Abuja as five Tavor Assault Rifles, 1 Macro Uzi with serial No 60244(Rifle), 20 magazines (Ammunition), 1 packet of MOD (Ministry of Defence) APG calibre gun, Luger No 033375 ( gun), small magazine containing 16 rounds of ammunition, and bigger magazine containing live rounds of ammunition.
The former NSA had since pleaded not guilty to the charge against him.
http://www.vanguardngr.com/2015/11/siege-to-dasukis-home-an-act-of-lawlessness-court/#top
Friday 13 November 2015
Super Ministers and Other Stories by Reuben Abati
article by former presidential spokesperson, Reuben Abati. Read below...
"Have you congratulated our new Ministers?”
“I am still thinking about it, actually. I don’t know whether to congratulate them or to commiserate or to pity some of them. They have merged Ministries that need not be merged. Some Perm Secs are now floating. Six months and this is it?”
“What kind of talk is that? You have come again oh”.
“I wonder too. At least you can see that round pegs have been put in round holes, and shame on all you doubting Thomases, our government is good to go.”
“”Who is talking politics? Can we discuss Nigeria and leave politics out of it? And please, leave that thing about pegs. Some pegs are neither round nor square, they are misshaped.”
“Everything is political.”
“I know. Very soon, you will also insist that that funny walking stick Ngige was carrying about, like the rod of Moses, is also political.”
“Okay, what is your point?”
“I have said it before and I repeat it again. I still think whenever Ministers are to be screened by the Senate, their portfolios should be attached. It helps to prepare the prospective Minister mentally. It deepens the screening process, and makes it even more participatory.”
“There is no such Constitutional requirement”
“Everything doesn’t have to be in the Constitution”.
“Okay we have heard. You have said it before. When next we are appointing Ministers, we will disclose their portfolios”.
“What do you mean we?”
“Na we, now”
“Ehen”
“See, I usually don’t vote. But this last election, I got my PVC and I voted. Those PDP people already had their cup full. I voted for change.”
“Me too.”
“But the campaign is over, and I see too many of you still locked in an election mode.”
“Na so e be. As I dey sef, I dey wait for 2019. Na for Baba side I dey.”
“This Baba syndrome is a problem. It is breeding a culture of mass sycophancy, hypnotism and amnesia”
“Grammar!”
“When you elevate a government to a semi-divine status, you lose sight of your responsibility to hold government accountable. The ascribed, contrived, or self-imposed divinity of elected officials is a threat to democracy”
“I think you should be holding this conversation with your brother, Patrick Obahiagbon, I beg. Simple matter, you want to give somebody headache. One of these days, I will arrange a meeting between you and the Igodomigodo. Any little talk, somebody must look for dictionary. You too dey show. Na only you?”
“Leave am make e dey yarn. People who have become Ministers have become Ministers.”
“Look at it this way, I know one of those old Ministers. The day he was given a portfolio, a very important one at that, the guy said he didn’t know what the Ministry was all about. I was shocked.”
“Well, I am not shocked.”
“He ended up creating problems.”
“We know.”
“So, what usually happens is that when a man takes a Ministry, he had no prior knowledge of, he spends the next six months trying to figure it out.”
“That’s why Baba has chosen experienced people who have been in government at senior levels.”
“But one of them has said he is there to learn”
“Who is that?”
“You go and find out.”
“If I may play the Devil’s advocate, I think what the man means is that he is open to ideas. As human beings, we are always learning. At the retreat, the point was made clear that this is not a cabinet of learners, but drivers. People who are ready to move things forward.”
“Were you there? Suppose they can’t move anything.”
“Someone told me. I have my contacts.”
“You are just a bloody gossip. The truth is that some Ministers spend the whole time learning and moving nothing”
“I see noise-making has started already”.
“We don’t need noise. I want to see the change I asked for with my PVC.”
“Fashola is the luckiest guy.”
“Baba meta, himself.”
“What is that?”
“Power, Works, Housing. The Holy Trinity of Government.”
“E remain make dem add Finance.”
“Fashola is mai mhe-en.”
“I don’t envy him. I actually sympathise with him. I hope he has not been set up for demystification and disambulation.”
“Why don’t you speak like a normal human being?”
“Those three key portfolios make him a Super Minister.”
“They should just have named him Co-ordinating Minister of the Economy.”
“No. We don’t need that. Every Minister is important.”
“Fashola in that assignment, I tell you, will need the services of a doctor, a massager, and prayer warriors”
“Don’t worry yourself. The man will do it. He performed in Lagos. The moment he left, Lagos shut down. See how Ambode is struggling with Fashola’s big shoes. It is just Fashola’s wife that I pity.”
“What has his wife got to do with this? Please.”
“You don’t know? This one that they have made him a Baba Meta; I swear, when next the man shoots straight, his wife go born triplets! One for Power, one for Works, and the other for …”
“Amaechi wife, na twins that one go born.”
“Are you guys alright?”
“Wait oh, e be like say na only one Baba give Amaechi. Transportation.”
“Na two. Transport not Transportation. Baba has added …ation for Aviation. Amaechi is in charge of Transport. He is in charge of Aviation, add the two: Transportation. Him na Baba Ibeji.”
“With control over 15 parastatals/agencies. God! You have his phone number?”
“No. I no get. But Baba didn’t treat our brother, JFK well”
“He is in charge of Solid Minerals. That is a very strategic Ministry. It is like Agriculture. A developed Solid Minerals sector will further diversify the economy and increase non-oil revenue.”
“But na only one they give am.”
“Me, I thank God that he has a portfolio. I think PMB gave him Solid Minerals deliberately to please Fayose.”
“What has Fayose got to do with this now?”
“Everything. You know he was the one who begged President Buhari to give Ekiti state, a solid ministry. He said Ekiti people don’t want any yebuyebu Ministry but a very solid one.”
“So?”
“So, the President has shown that he listens, and he has given the people of Ekiti State, the Ministry of Solid Minerals!”
“You are not okay.”
“Ekiti is solid. Whatever Fayemi is able to do in that Ministry, his efforts will be appreciated. But as for Amaechi and Fashola, well…”
“Who is in charge of Niger Delta? That is another strategic Ministry”
“Na Pastor they put there oh. Pastor Uguru.”
“Me, I just hope the man knows that that is not a Ministry where you go and chop guguru oh. It is an important portfolio.”
“If Uguru likes, let him chop guguru. As long as he does not chop alone, and the people of the Niger Delta get enough popcorn too.”
“But wait a moment, is that not the same Pastor who during the Ministerial screening swore that God forbids him having anything to do with PDP members?”
“He didn’t swear. He said it.”
“He will probably need a one-on-one retreat with President Buhari. This is a government of nobody and a government of everybody.”
“Hey! Even our critics are beginning to quote us as if they are quoting the Bible. Patapata we go win again o, winner! ”
“Just tell your Uguru that he is not an APC Minister, but a Minister of the Federal Republic, whose doors must be open to everyone.”
“Hen, hen. Are you looking for contract already, or a consultancy? Do I give you the man’s number?”
“I don’t need his number. I am making commonsense”
“Oh, you want to become another Ben Bruce, the commonsense Senator? He goes about saying he is making commonsense.”
“He is right. We need commonsense”
“We don’t need commonsense. Too much commonsense caused all our problems. What we need is uncommon sense, to get rid of common nonsense. Tell him.”
“Who is in charge of Finance?”
“That’s the Ogun State Ministry”
“What do you mean Ogun State Ministry? I am asking you who is the new Super Minister in charge of our money?”
“She is from Ogun State. Kemi Adeosun; she speaks fone.”
“I hope she won’t become a Madame No.”
“Madam what?”
“Madam No Money.
“Nobody will try that with us. We will tell that person what to do”
“This is part of the problem with governance; too many people claiming to know what should be done. I don’t remember PMB making you a Minister, adviser or errand boy. When these Ministers start failing, we will talk again.”
“Leave us alone, I beg. It is our turn…”
L
"Have you congratulated our new Ministers?”
“I am still thinking about it, actually. I don’t know whether to congratulate them or to commiserate or to pity some of them. They have merged Ministries that need not be merged. Some Perm Secs are now floating. Six months and this is it?”
“What kind of talk is that? You have come again oh”.
“I wonder too. At least you can see that round pegs have been put in round holes, and shame on all you doubting Thomases, our government is good to go.”
“”Who is talking politics? Can we discuss Nigeria and leave politics out of it? And please, leave that thing about pegs. Some pegs are neither round nor square, they are misshaped.”
“Everything is political.”
“I know. Very soon, you will also insist that that funny walking stick Ngige was carrying about, like the rod of Moses, is also political.”
“Okay, what is your point?”
“I have said it before and I repeat it again. I still think whenever Ministers are to be screened by the Senate, their portfolios should be attached. It helps to prepare the prospective Minister mentally. It deepens the screening process, and makes it even more participatory.”
“There is no such Constitutional requirement”
“Everything doesn’t have to be in the Constitution”.
“Okay we have heard. You have said it before. When next we are appointing Ministers, we will disclose their portfolios”.
“What do you mean we?”
“Na we, now”
“Ehen”
“See, I usually don’t vote. But this last election, I got my PVC and I voted. Those PDP people already had their cup full. I voted for change.”
“Me too.”
“But the campaign is over, and I see too many of you still locked in an election mode.”
“Na so e be. As I dey sef, I dey wait for 2019. Na for Baba side I dey.”
“This Baba syndrome is a problem. It is breeding a culture of mass sycophancy, hypnotism and amnesia”
“Grammar!”
“When you elevate a government to a semi-divine status, you lose sight of your responsibility to hold government accountable. The ascribed, contrived, or self-imposed divinity of elected officials is a threat to democracy”
“I think you should be holding this conversation with your brother, Patrick Obahiagbon, I beg. Simple matter, you want to give somebody headache. One of these days, I will arrange a meeting between you and the Igodomigodo. Any little talk, somebody must look for dictionary. You too dey show. Na only you?”
“Leave am make e dey yarn. People who have become Ministers have become Ministers.”
“Look at it this way, I know one of those old Ministers. The day he was given a portfolio, a very important one at that, the guy said he didn’t know what the Ministry was all about. I was shocked.”
“Well, I am not shocked.”
“He ended up creating problems.”
“We know.”
“So, what usually happens is that when a man takes a Ministry, he had no prior knowledge of, he spends the next six months trying to figure it out.”
“That’s why Baba has chosen experienced people who have been in government at senior levels.”
“But one of them has said he is there to learn”
“Who is that?”
“You go and find out.”
“If I may play the Devil’s advocate, I think what the man means is that he is open to ideas. As human beings, we are always learning. At the retreat, the point was made clear that this is not a cabinet of learners, but drivers. People who are ready to move things forward.”
“Were you there? Suppose they can’t move anything.”
“Someone told me. I have my contacts.”
“You are just a bloody gossip. The truth is that some Ministers spend the whole time learning and moving nothing”
“I see noise-making has started already”.
“We don’t need noise. I want to see the change I asked for with my PVC.”
“Fashola is the luckiest guy.”
“Baba meta, himself.”
“What is that?”
“Power, Works, Housing. The Holy Trinity of Government.”
“E remain make dem add Finance.”
“Fashola is mai mhe-en.”
“I don’t envy him. I actually sympathise with him. I hope he has not been set up for demystification and disambulation.”
“Why don’t you speak like a normal human being?”
“Those three key portfolios make him a Super Minister.”
“They should just have named him Co-ordinating Minister of the Economy.”
“No. We don’t need that. Every Minister is important.”
“Fashola in that assignment, I tell you, will need the services of a doctor, a massager, and prayer warriors”
“Don’t worry yourself. The man will do it. He performed in Lagos. The moment he left, Lagos shut down. See how Ambode is struggling with Fashola’s big shoes. It is just Fashola’s wife that I pity.”
“What has his wife got to do with this? Please.”
“You don’t know? This one that they have made him a Baba Meta; I swear, when next the man shoots straight, his wife go born triplets! One for Power, one for Works, and the other for …”
“Amaechi wife, na twins that one go born.”
“Are you guys alright?”
“Wait oh, e be like say na only one Baba give Amaechi. Transportation.”
“Na two. Transport not Transportation. Baba has added …ation for Aviation. Amaechi is in charge of Transport. He is in charge of Aviation, add the two: Transportation. Him na Baba Ibeji.”
“With control over 15 parastatals/agencies. God! You have his phone number?”
“No. I no get. But Baba didn’t treat our brother, JFK well”
“He is in charge of Solid Minerals. That is a very strategic Ministry. It is like Agriculture. A developed Solid Minerals sector will further diversify the economy and increase non-oil revenue.”
“But na only one they give am.”
“Me, I thank God that he has a portfolio. I think PMB gave him Solid Minerals deliberately to please Fayose.”
“What has Fayose got to do with this now?”
“Everything. You know he was the one who begged President Buhari to give Ekiti state, a solid ministry. He said Ekiti people don’t want any yebuyebu Ministry but a very solid one.”
“So?”
“So, the President has shown that he listens, and he has given the people of Ekiti State, the Ministry of Solid Minerals!”
“You are not okay.”
“Ekiti is solid. Whatever Fayemi is able to do in that Ministry, his efforts will be appreciated. But as for Amaechi and Fashola, well…”
“Who is in charge of Niger Delta? That is another strategic Ministry”
“Na Pastor they put there oh. Pastor Uguru.”
“Me, I just hope the man knows that that is not a Ministry where you go and chop guguru oh. It is an important portfolio.”
“If Uguru likes, let him chop guguru. As long as he does not chop alone, and the people of the Niger Delta get enough popcorn too.”
“But wait a moment, is that not the same Pastor who during the Ministerial screening swore that God forbids him having anything to do with PDP members?”
“He didn’t swear. He said it.”
“He will probably need a one-on-one retreat with President Buhari. This is a government of nobody and a government of everybody.”
“Hey! Even our critics are beginning to quote us as if they are quoting the Bible. Patapata we go win again o, winner! ”
“Just tell your Uguru that he is not an APC Minister, but a Minister of the Federal Republic, whose doors must be open to everyone.”
“Hen, hen. Are you looking for contract already, or a consultancy? Do I give you the man’s number?”
“I don’t need his number. I am making commonsense”
“Oh, you want to become another Ben Bruce, the commonsense Senator? He goes about saying he is making commonsense.”
“He is right. We need commonsense”
“We don’t need commonsense. Too much commonsense caused all our problems. What we need is uncommon sense, to get rid of common nonsense. Tell him.”
“Who is in charge of Finance?”
“That’s the Ogun State Ministry”
“What do you mean Ogun State Ministry? I am asking you who is the new Super Minister in charge of our money?”
“She is from Ogun State. Kemi Adeosun; she speaks fone.”
“I hope she won’t become a Madame No.”
“Madam what?”
“Madam No Money.
“Nobody will try that with us. We will tell that person what to do”
“This is part of the problem with governance; too many people claiming to know what should be done. I don’t remember PMB making you a Minister, adviser or errand boy. When these Ministers start failing, we will talk again.”
“Leave us alone, I beg. It is our turn…”
L
Oh No! Comparing Me With Patoranking Is Disrespectful – Burna Boy
Popular Nigerian dance-hall singer, Burna Boy while promoting his highly anticipated sophomore LP, “On a Spaceship” on twitter using the hashtag #OAS, replied to a tweet from a fan, who compared him with Patoranking.
The fan disclosed as ‘Omo Jesu’ took to his twitter page yesterday, asking the question “Burna Boy and Patoranking, who do you prefer?”
Burna Boy in his response warned the fan that he should not be compared with Patoranking, saying that it is being ‘ultimately disrespectful’
See their tweets below:
https://mobile.twitter.com/tosinadeda/status/664051335415861248?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
The fan disclosed as ‘Omo Jesu’ took to his twitter page yesterday, asking the question “Burna Boy and Patoranking, who do you prefer?”
Burna Boy in his response warned the fan that he should not be compared with Patoranking, saying that it is being ‘ultimately disrespectful’
See their tweets below:
https://mobile.twitter.com/tosinadeda/status/664051335415861248?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
Lewis Hamilton column: Jesse J, Nico Rosberg & Interlagos pain
It has not been the most conventional of build-ups to a grand prix weekend for me, as you may have read by now.
It has been an eventful time since the Mexican race two weeks ago, and I ended up getting quite run down.
Following the race weekend in Mexico City, I stayed over there working for another four days. Then, when I got back to the UK at the end of last week, I was stressed trying to organise my mum's 60th birthday last Saturday.
The party turned out great, and we had so much fun, but by the end of it I was exhausted. I had been busy for two solid weeks and I basically collapsed.
I ended up back in Monaco on Monday with a fever and we decided to delay my arrival in Brazil by a day to give me more time to sort myself out.
I've slept a lot the last couple of days and I feel much fresher now. I've had some good medication and I feel I am now on the upward slope and I will be fine for this weekend's race at Interlagos.
Click below link to read more
http://m.bbc.com/sport/features/34783569
It has been an eventful time since the Mexican race two weeks ago, and I ended up getting quite run down.
Following the race weekend in Mexico City, I stayed over there working for another four days. Then, when I got back to the UK at the end of last week, I was stressed trying to organise my mum's 60th birthday last Saturday.
The party turned out great, and we had so much fun, but by the end of it I was exhausted. I had been busy for two solid weeks and I basically collapsed.
I ended up back in Monaco on Monday with a fever and we decided to delay my arrival in Brazil by a day to give me more time to sort myself out.
I've slept a lot the last couple of days and I feel much fresher now. I've had some good medication and I feel I am now on the upward slope and I will be fine for this weekend's race at Interlagos.
Click below link to read more
http://m.bbc.com/sport/features/34783569
Nikki Mudarris From Love And Hip Hop Caught By Paparazzi As She Wears See Through Dress
According to MTO, Nikki Mudarris bares it all in a black see-through dress when she's seen leaving 1 OAK after a fun night out with friends in West Hollywood. Just when you thought that THOTS like Nikki had boundaries . . . THIS happens.
We've seen a lot of THIRST in our lives. But never have we ever seen a "celebrity" so thirsty for attention . .. that they bent over and BUSSED IT OPEN for the paparazzi.
It's even more shocking since Nikki went on that whole tirade of that sex tape with famed music producer Mally Mall, her ex-boo, being released without her consent or knowledge. We would have thought she learned some basics on covering it up a little!
Tonight, she'll be the special guest star at the Models and Bottles Fashion Show inside the Astor Hotel in Milwaukee, Wis. We're sure . . . she'll let it all hang out like usual!
Click here for first pic
http://i2.mediatakeout.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/Nikki_Crazy1.jpg
for second pix click here
http://i2.mediatakeout.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/Nikki_Crazy2.jpg
for third pix
http://i2.mediatakeout.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/Nikki_Crazy3.jpg
We've seen a lot of THIRST in our lives. But never have we ever seen a "celebrity" so thirsty for attention . .. that they bent over and BUSSED IT OPEN for the paparazzi.
It's even more shocking since Nikki went on that whole tirade of that sex tape with famed music producer Mally Mall, her ex-boo, being released without her consent or knowledge. We would have thought she learned some basics on covering it up a little!
Tonight, she'll be the special guest star at the Models and Bottles Fashion Show inside the Astor Hotel in Milwaukee, Wis. We're sure . . . she'll let it all hang out like usual!
Click here for first pic
http://i2.mediatakeout.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/Nikki_Crazy1.jpg
for second pix click here
http://i2.mediatakeout.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/Nikki_Crazy2.jpg
for third pix
http://i2.mediatakeout.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/Nikki_Crazy3.jpg
Learner learning everyday by Razia Ahmed
Intelligence is the quality of a being to be very smart and well-informed. On the other hand, Brilliance is the quality of a being to be very clever and bright.
Both, intelligence and brilliance are mental abilities. One needs to be very sharp in adapting these qualities. Intelligence is developed from childhood, whereas, brilliance is a brightness of giving ideas and suggestions on something.
Intelligence is influenced by our own understanding of concepts. Intelligence is what one can improve by studies, reasoning, understanding and learning. It is most widely studied in humans, but it is also used for animals and plants. Plants, though they are not human beings, they understand everything. Intelligence is derived from the Latin word intelligere which means ‘to pick up’.
defines ‘Intelligence’ as:
•Capacity for learning, reasoning, understanding, and similar forms of mental activity; aptitude in grasping truths, relationships, facts, meanings, etc.
•Manifestation of a high mental capacity: He writes with intelligence and wit.
•The faculty of understanding.
•Knowledge of an event, circumstance, etc., received or imparted; news; information.
•The gathering or distribution of information, especially secret information.
Intelligence is completely related to knowledge and they are highly respected in this world. Intelligence is the ability to think in terms of abstract concepts, as opposed to merely perceiving persons, places and things.
Some beautiful quotes for ‘intelligence’ are given below:
“Human intelligence may not be the best trick nature has to offer.” ~ Bryant H. McGill
“There are no great limits to growth because there are no limits of human intelligence, imagination, and wonder.” ~ Ronald Reagan
“The intelligence of the lower forms of animal life, like a great deal of human intelligence, does not involve a self.” ~ George H. Mead
On the other hand, brilliance is to have knowledge and to have the ability to apply it impressively and skillfully. Brilliance is a term when the intelligence concepts are proved to be true. Brilliance is a way to show every one that how they can explore themselves with their knowledge and way of expression. Brilliance could be defined as the unique ability to excel at being genuine and real. Meeting warm, considered people always leaves a little sparkle in oneself. And, that glow will become brilliance, given the right opportunity. Brilliance is the way in which one can leave a good image of oneself.
defines ‘Brilliance’ as:
•Great brightness; luster: the brilliance of a fine diamond.
•Excellence or distinction; conspicuous talent, mental ability, etc.
•Splendor, elegance, or magnificence: the brilliance of the court of Louis XIV.
•Optics, that luminance of a body consisting of its saturation and brightness.
Some beautiful quotes on ‘brilliance’ are given below:
“Bullfighting is the only art in which the artist is in danger of death and in which the degree of brilliance in the performance is left to the fighter's honor.” ~ Ernest Hemingway
“The message is that all brilliance emanates from the top; that the worker on the floor of the store or the factory is insignificant.” ~ James Sinegal
“One's performance is often heightened by the brilliance and generosity of other actors.” ~ Cyril Cusack
Brilliance means creativity with extra skills and knowledge. For example, if a person knows how to correct the errors of any instrument, he will of course correct it by his intelligence and people will say he is intelligent. Whereas, brilliance is a quality when one needs to implement intelligence practically and by doing that it is possible to create something extra.
Intelligence of any person is correspondent to smartness; on the contrary, Brilliance of any person is correspondent to creativity.
Both, intelligence and brilliance are mental abilities. One needs to be very sharp in adapting these qualities. Intelligence is developed from childhood, whereas, brilliance is a brightness of giving ideas and suggestions on something.
Intelligence is influenced by our own understanding of concepts. Intelligence is what one can improve by studies, reasoning, understanding and learning. It is most widely studied in humans, but it is also used for animals and plants. Plants, though they are not human beings, they understand everything. Intelligence is derived from the Latin word intelligere which means ‘to pick up’.
defines ‘Intelligence’ as:
•Capacity for learning, reasoning, understanding, and similar forms of mental activity; aptitude in grasping truths, relationships, facts, meanings, etc.
•Manifestation of a high mental capacity: He writes with intelligence and wit.
•The faculty of understanding.
•Knowledge of an event, circumstance, etc., received or imparted; news; information.
•The gathering or distribution of information, especially secret information.
Intelligence is completely related to knowledge and they are highly respected in this world. Intelligence is the ability to think in terms of abstract concepts, as opposed to merely perceiving persons, places and things.
Some beautiful quotes for ‘intelligence’ are given below:
“Human intelligence may not be the best trick nature has to offer.” ~ Bryant H. McGill
“There are no great limits to growth because there are no limits of human intelligence, imagination, and wonder.” ~ Ronald Reagan
“The intelligence of the lower forms of animal life, like a great deal of human intelligence, does not involve a self.” ~ George H. Mead
On the other hand, brilliance is to have knowledge and to have the ability to apply it impressively and skillfully. Brilliance is a term when the intelligence concepts are proved to be true. Brilliance is a way to show every one that how they can explore themselves with their knowledge and way of expression. Brilliance could be defined as the unique ability to excel at being genuine and real. Meeting warm, considered people always leaves a little sparkle in oneself. And, that glow will become brilliance, given the right opportunity. Brilliance is the way in which one can leave a good image of oneself.
defines ‘Brilliance’ as:
•Great brightness; luster: the brilliance of a fine diamond.
•Excellence or distinction; conspicuous talent, mental ability, etc.
•Splendor, elegance, or magnificence: the brilliance of the court of Louis XIV.
•Optics, that luminance of a body consisting of its saturation and brightness.
Some beautiful quotes on ‘brilliance’ are given below:
“Bullfighting is the only art in which the artist is in danger of death and in which the degree of brilliance in the performance is left to the fighter's honor.” ~ Ernest Hemingway
“The message is that all brilliance emanates from the top; that the worker on the floor of the store or the factory is insignificant.” ~ James Sinegal
“One's performance is often heightened by the brilliance and generosity of other actors.” ~ Cyril Cusack
Brilliance means creativity with extra skills and knowledge. For example, if a person knows how to correct the errors of any instrument, he will of course correct it by his intelligence and people will say he is intelligent. Whereas, brilliance is a quality when one needs to implement intelligence practically and by doing that it is possible to create something extra.
Intelligence of any person is correspondent to smartness; on the contrary, Brilliance of any person is correspondent to creativity.
Temporary reprieve for Saraki as Supreme Court halts CCT’s trial
By Ikechukwu Nnochiri
ABUJA—Temporary reprieve came the way of the Senate President, Dr. Olubukola Saraki, yesterday, as the Supreme Court aborted bid by the Code of Conduct Tribunal, CCT, to begin full blown hearing on the 13-count criminal charge preferred against him by the Federal Government.
In a ruling, yesterday, a five-man panel of justices of the apex court, led by Justice John Fabiyi, directed the CCT to ‘tarry awhile’ to enable it look into Saraki’s appeal.
It will be recalled that the Justice Danladi Umar-led tribunal had on November 5 declined to suspend hearing on the case.
The tribunal, while refusing to hands-off the matter, gave the Federal Government the nod to call witnesses to testify against the Senate President on November 19.
Justice Umar anchored his decision on Section 305 (c) of the newly-enacted Administration of Criminal Justice Act, ACJA, 2015, which he said gave the tribunal powers to conclude the trial and pass sentence, but suspend execution until such a time the appeal before the higher court was considered and decided.
The decision infuriated Saraki’s lawyers who walked out on the tribunal, even as they accused the panel of engaging in “an act of rascality” by refusing to accord respect to judicial hierarchy.
CCT should halt proceedings until…
However, in its ruling, yesterday, the Supreme Court ordered the CCT to stay its proceedings to enable it look into legal issues raised before it by Saraki. Though government had at the tribunal opposed Saraki’s move to stay his trial, it, however, made a U-turn at the Supreme Court yesterday, saying it would not go ahead with the trial until the appeal was determined.
Prosecuting counsel, Mr. Rotimi Jacobs, SAN, entered an undertaking that “no unusual step will be taken by the Federal Government”, in relation to the charge against Saraki.
He, however, sought an accelerated hearing of the appeal, adding that the Federal Government had already filed a counter-affidavit where it adduced reasons Saraki should be allowed to face trial. He told the apex court that the 25-paragraph counter-affidavit was sworn to by one Samuel Adeyemi on November 10.
Rotimi said his decision to enter an undertaking on behalf of the Federal Government was to protect the validity of Section 306 of the ACJA, 2015, which he said forbids the granting of stay of proceedings in a criminal trial.
He argued that the essence of the section would be defeated should the apex court issue an express order directing the tribunal to stay its proceedings.
“I can give an undertaking not to proceed with the case before the tribunal, but for your lordships to grant stay is what I am concerned about. I am worried about what it will portend for the criminal justice system and for Nigeria”, Rotimi submitted.
Nevertheless, in their unanimous ruling, the Supreme Court judges gave both Saraki and the Federal Government seven days each to file and exchange their briefs of argument.
“In view of the fact that the learned counsel to the respondent has given an undertaking that no unusual step will be taken, it is imperative to state that all the parties, including the Code of Conduct Tribunal, should tarry a while to enable this court determine the appeal before it.
“In effect, further proceedings at the CCT should be stayed, pending the hearing of the appeal. Hearing date will be communicated to all the parties”, Justice Fabiyi ruled.
Prior to the ruling, Saraki had, through his team of eight Senior Advocates of Nigeria, led by Mr. J. B. Daudu, challenged the competence of the 13-count charge and the jurisdiction of the CCT to entertain same.
He maintained that the CCT panel erred when it decided to go ahead with the trial, despite pendency of the appeal before the apex court. Saraki’s lawyer argued that the Justice Umar-led panel ought to have shown respect to the Supreme Court, being the highest court of the land.
He said: “The dignity and finality of the apex court must be preserved at all times to uphold the sanctity of the rule of law and avoid anarchy.”
Saraki sought the intervention of the Supreme Court after he failed to persuade a three-man panel of justices of the Court of Appeal in Abuja, to quash the criminal charge against him.
In his appeal marked SC/852/2015, he prayed the apex court to invoke its powers and quash the 13-count criminal charge against him.
He wants the Supreme Court to set aside the judgement of the appellate court which had on October 30, granted the Federal Government the nod to go ahead with his trial.
He applied for: “An order staying further proceedings in Charge No: CCT/ABJ/01/2015 between Federal Republic of Nigeria vs Dr. Olubukola Abubakar Saraki fixed for hearing on November 5 and 6, 2015 pending the determination of the appeal before the Supreme Court against the judgment of the Court of Appeal dated October 30, 2015.”
Saraki’s grounds of appeal
In his seven grounds of appeal, Saraki, asked the apex court to overrule the appellate court, void all the steps that the Justice Danladi Umar-led tribunal had taken so far, as well as, quash the 13-count criminal charge against him.
He contended that the appellate court panel, led by Justice Moore Adumein, erred in law when it affirmed the competence of the proceedings of the CCT which sat on the appellant’s case with only two members against the three provided for in the provisions of Paragraph 15(1) of the Fifth Schedule to the 1999 Constitution.
Saraki’s lawyer, Daudu, also faulted the majority decision of the appeal court where it held that there was lacuna regarding the quorum of the tribunal.
He argued that the application of the Interpretation Act to hold that two out of three members of the tribunal could validly sit “is to circumvent and reduce the number prescribed by the Constitution for the due composition of the CCT”.
Similarly, Saraki faulted the majority decision of the appeal court where it held that the CCT was a court of limited criminal jurisdiction and that the charges were validly initiated by a Deputy Director in the Federal Ministry of Justice, Mr. M.S. Hassan, in the absence of a substantive Attorney-General of the Federation.
More so, he challenged the decision of the appeal court which held that Saraki had been properly served with the charges, at a time when his legal team only filed motion for conditional appearance before bench warrant was issued against him by the CCT.
Saraki’s lawyer further argued that the court of appeal erred in law for refusing to hold that the tribunal violated the order of the Federal High Court in Abuja which he said ordered the tribunal to appear before the court to show cause why its proceedings against Saraki should not be halted.
According to him, the appeal court erred in law when it held that the Administration of Criminal Justice Act 2015 was applicable to the proceeding of the tribunal.
The appellate court had in two-to-one split decision on October 30, dismissed Saraki’s appeal against the ruling of the Justice Umar Danladi-led tribunal. Whereas the duo of Justices Adumein and Mohammed Mustapha dismissed Saraki’s appeal and ordered him to submit himself to the CCT for trial, another member of the panel, Justice Joseph Ekanem, held that the 13-count charge was incompetent, even as he discharged the accused person.
Saraki was in the charge before the CCT, marked ABT/01/15 and dated September 11, 2015, alleged to have falsely declared his assets, contrary to the constitutionally requirement.
He was accused of deliberately manipulating the assets declaration form that he filed prior to his assumption of office as the Senate President, by making anticipatory declaration of assets, as well as, operated foreign bank account while in office as a public servant.
The offence was said to have been committed while Saraki held sway as governor of Kwara State.
He was also accused of breaching Section 2 of the CCB and Tribunal Act, an offence punishable under section 23(2) of the Act and paragraph 9 of the said Fifth Schedule of the 1999 Constitution, as amended.
http://www.vanguardngr.com/2015/11/temporary-reprieve-for-saraki-as-supreme-court-halts-ccts-trial/
ABUJA—Temporary reprieve came the way of the Senate President, Dr. Olubukola Saraki, yesterday, as the Supreme Court aborted bid by the Code of Conduct Tribunal, CCT, to begin full blown hearing on the 13-count criminal charge preferred against him by the Federal Government.
In a ruling, yesterday, a five-man panel of justices of the apex court, led by Justice John Fabiyi, directed the CCT to ‘tarry awhile’ to enable it look into Saraki’s appeal.
It will be recalled that the Justice Danladi Umar-led tribunal had on November 5 declined to suspend hearing on the case.
The tribunal, while refusing to hands-off the matter, gave the Federal Government the nod to call witnesses to testify against the Senate President on November 19.
Justice Umar anchored his decision on Section 305 (c) of the newly-enacted Administration of Criminal Justice Act, ACJA, 2015, which he said gave the tribunal powers to conclude the trial and pass sentence, but suspend execution until such a time the appeal before the higher court was considered and decided.
The decision infuriated Saraki’s lawyers who walked out on the tribunal, even as they accused the panel of engaging in “an act of rascality” by refusing to accord respect to judicial hierarchy.
CCT should halt proceedings until…
However, in its ruling, yesterday, the Supreme Court ordered the CCT to stay its proceedings to enable it look into legal issues raised before it by Saraki. Though government had at the tribunal opposed Saraki’s move to stay his trial, it, however, made a U-turn at the Supreme Court yesterday, saying it would not go ahead with the trial until the appeal was determined.
Prosecuting counsel, Mr. Rotimi Jacobs, SAN, entered an undertaking that “no unusual step will be taken by the Federal Government”, in relation to the charge against Saraki.
He, however, sought an accelerated hearing of the appeal, adding that the Federal Government had already filed a counter-affidavit where it adduced reasons Saraki should be allowed to face trial. He told the apex court that the 25-paragraph counter-affidavit was sworn to by one Samuel Adeyemi on November 10.
Rotimi said his decision to enter an undertaking on behalf of the Federal Government was to protect the validity of Section 306 of the ACJA, 2015, which he said forbids the granting of stay of proceedings in a criminal trial.
He argued that the essence of the section would be defeated should the apex court issue an express order directing the tribunal to stay its proceedings.
“I can give an undertaking not to proceed with the case before the tribunal, but for your lordships to grant stay is what I am concerned about. I am worried about what it will portend for the criminal justice system and for Nigeria”, Rotimi submitted.
Nevertheless, in their unanimous ruling, the Supreme Court judges gave both Saraki and the Federal Government seven days each to file and exchange their briefs of argument.
“In view of the fact that the learned counsel to the respondent has given an undertaking that no unusual step will be taken, it is imperative to state that all the parties, including the Code of Conduct Tribunal, should tarry a while to enable this court determine the appeal before it.
“In effect, further proceedings at the CCT should be stayed, pending the hearing of the appeal. Hearing date will be communicated to all the parties”, Justice Fabiyi ruled.
Prior to the ruling, Saraki had, through his team of eight Senior Advocates of Nigeria, led by Mr. J. B. Daudu, challenged the competence of the 13-count charge and the jurisdiction of the CCT to entertain same.
He maintained that the CCT panel erred when it decided to go ahead with the trial, despite pendency of the appeal before the apex court. Saraki’s lawyer argued that the Justice Umar-led panel ought to have shown respect to the Supreme Court, being the highest court of the land.
He said: “The dignity and finality of the apex court must be preserved at all times to uphold the sanctity of the rule of law and avoid anarchy.”
Saraki sought the intervention of the Supreme Court after he failed to persuade a three-man panel of justices of the Court of Appeal in Abuja, to quash the criminal charge against him.
In his appeal marked SC/852/2015, he prayed the apex court to invoke its powers and quash the 13-count criminal charge against him.
He wants the Supreme Court to set aside the judgement of the appellate court which had on October 30, granted the Federal Government the nod to go ahead with his trial.
He applied for: “An order staying further proceedings in Charge No: CCT/ABJ/01/2015 between Federal Republic of Nigeria vs Dr. Olubukola Abubakar Saraki fixed for hearing on November 5 and 6, 2015 pending the determination of the appeal before the Supreme Court against the judgment of the Court of Appeal dated October 30, 2015.”
Saraki’s grounds of appeal
In his seven grounds of appeal, Saraki, asked the apex court to overrule the appellate court, void all the steps that the Justice Danladi Umar-led tribunal had taken so far, as well as, quash the 13-count criminal charge against him.
He contended that the appellate court panel, led by Justice Moore Adumein, erred in law when it affirmed the competence of the proceedings of the CCT which sat on the appellant’s case with only two members against the three provided for in the provisions of Paragraph 15(1) of the Fifth Schedule to the 1999 Constitution.
Saraki’s lawyer, Daudu, also faulted the majority decision of the appeal court where it held that there was lacuna regarding the quorum of the tribunal.
He argued that the application of the Interpretation Act to hold that two out of three members of the tribunal could validly sit “is to circumvent and reduce the number prescribed by the Constitution for the due composition of the CCT”.
Similarly, Saraki faulted the majority decision of the appeal court where it held that the CCT was a court of limited criminal jurisdiction and that the charges were validly initiated by a Deputy Director in the Federal Ministry of Justice, Mr. M.S. Hassan, in the absence of a substantive Attorney-General of the Federation.
More so, he challenged the decision of the appeal court which held that Saraki had been properly served with the charges, at a time when his legal team only filed motion for conditional appearance before bench warrant was issued against him by the CCT.
Saraki’s lawyer further argued that the court of appeal erred in law for refusing to hold that the tribunal violated the order of the Federal High Court in Abuja which he said ordered the tribunal to appear before the court to show cause why its proceedings against Saraki should not be halted.
According to him, the appeal court erred in law when it held that the Administration of Criminal Justice Act 2015 was applicable to the proceeding of the tribunal.
The appellate court had in two-to-one split decision on October 30, dismissed Saraki’s appeal against the ruling of the Justice Umar Danladi-led tribunal. Whereas the duo of Justices Adumein and Mohammed Mustapha dismissed Saraki’s appeal and ordered him to submit himself to the CCT for trial, another member of the panel, Justice Joseph Ekanem, held that the 13-count charge was incompetent, even as he discharged the accused person.
Saraki was in the charge before the CCT, marked ABT/01/15 and dated September 11, 2015, alleged to have falsely declared his assets, contrary to the constitutionally requirement.
He was accused of deliberately manipulating the assets declaration form that he filed prior to his assumption of office as the Senate President, by making anticipatory declaration of assets, as well as, operated foreign bank account while in office as a public servant.
The offence was said to have been committed while Saraki held sway as governor of Kwara State.
He was also accused of breaching Section 2 of the CCB and Tribunal Act, an offence punishable under section 23(2) of the Act and paragraph 9 of the said Fifth Schedule of the 1999 Constitution, as amended.
http://www.vanguardngr.com/2015/11/temporary-reprieve-for-saraki-as-supreme-court-halts-ccts-trial/
Thursday 12 November 2015
Senate Uncovers Rot in TSA Remittances, Begins Probe.
The Senate says it has uncovered the rot in the recently concluded transfers of the federal government’s funds to the treasury single account (TSA) domiciled with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).
Consequently, the chamber ordered its committees to immediately begin the probe of the alleged abuse of the transfers.
According to the parliament, the transaction was contracted to an e-collection agent, REMITA, which collected 1 per cent of the entire N2.5 trillion moved to the TSA.
This 1 per cent commission, the Senate added, translated to a whopping N25 billion earned by REMITA from the transfers in gross violation of Section 162(1) of the 1999 Constitution.
It also added that the N25 billion paid to the company was not all that had so far been paid to REMITA, disclosing that payments to the company has remained a continuous process.
Section 162(1) of the constitution provides that “the federation shall maintain a special account to be called the federation account into which all revenues collected by the government of the federation except the proceeds from the personal income tax of the personnel of the Armed Forces of the Federation, the Nigeria Police Force, the ministry or department of government charged with foreign affairs and the residents of the FCT, Abuja”.
The Senate held that going by this provision, all revenues accruable to the federal government ought to be paid directly to the TSA as the case may be and not shared with anybody.
The Senate mandated its joint Committee on Finance, Banking and Other Financial Institutions and Public Accounts to carry out a holistic investigation into the transfers and report its findings within four weeks.
The upper parliamentary chamber also asked the Ministry of Finance and the CBN to forthwith suspend payments to the consulting firm, REMITA, until the outcome of the investigation is made public.
The chamber which however commended President Muhammadu Buhari for the enforcement of transfers to the TSA, added that the essence of the initiative was to prevent keeping government revenues or their spread in various accounts outside the CBN.
The mover of the motion, Senator Dino Melaye (Kogi West), said he was aware that by the policy directive, all agencies generating revenues for the government such as the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) and Bureau of Public Entreprises (BPE), among others, were to pay all revenues they generated to the consolidated revenue fund.
He added: “The Senate observes that in the course of the operations of the TSA, the federal government on the 15th of September, 2015 mopped up the sum of N2.5 trillion through its e-collection agent called REMITA which charges 1 per cent of all monies passing through it, the implication of which 1 per cent of the N2.5 trillion mopped up on 15th September, 2015 alone amounted to N25 billion largesse to REMITA for doing nothing.”
Melaye further added that the appointment of REMITA as operations agent for the TSA was illegal because it contravened the provision of Section 162(1) of the constitution.
Furthermore, Melaye said given the constitutional provision, “the CBN is the sole institution that is mandated to collect and disburse monies on behalf of the federal government and where it has no branch, it may appoint another bank as agent to perform the function of collections and disbursement of revenue on behalf of the government of the federation, so using REMITA which is not a registered bank completely offends the CBN Act”.
He also described the development as a violation of BOFIA Act of 2007 which according to him, provides that no person(s) shall carry out any banking business in Nigeria unless the company is incorporated in Nigeria and holds a valid licence under the Act.
Melaye further argued that anyone who transacts business without a valid licence as stipulated by the Act is guilty of an offence and upon conviction liable to 10 years imprisonment or a fine of N2 million or both.
He added: “The activities of REMITA is a gross violation of the BOFIA Act and another attempt at ripping Nigerians of task payers’ money that would have been channelled to other sectors of the national economy.”
The motion generated a heated debate in the chamber as senators condemned the development and demanded its thorough probe.
In his contribution, Senate Leader, Ali Ndume, described it as sabotage and advocated the need to compel the culprits to refund the money. “I do not believe that this could happen under this government. However, if it is true, the people involved are saboteurs and must be compelled to return the money and face the wrath of the law,” he said.
Ndume, who also said he had asked the CBN Governor, Mr. Godwin Emefiele, about the scam, told his colleagues that Emefiele denied knowledge of it.
While supporting the motion, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe (Abia South) sarcastically mocked the All Progressives Congress’ (APC) claim of change.
“Is this the change we are looking for? I will not ask the question. Somebody made the decision. Who gave the order? Somebody then must be made responsible. In matters like this, we must not be partisan. I fully support the motion. It is beyond the party,” he said.
Also speaking, the Deputy Senate Leader, Ibn Na'Allah, called on his colleagues to ensure that the right step is taken to address the unwholesome development. “The Eighth Senate is distinct and must do what is right and in accordance with the law. We will do what is right at all times.
“The Eighth Senate will not subject itself to public referendum through the social media,” he said.
In his contribution, Senator Shehu Sani (Kaduna Central) said whereas, the TSA is a good idea designed to move the economy forward “it is clear that the idea is being abused and exploited. We have to investigate the matter”.
In the same vein, Senator Bassey Akpan (Akwa Ibom North-east) said: “If nothing is done on this matter, it will lead the youth of this country on a nationwide protest against this government.
“There is a total collapse of the road network and other infrastructure facilities in the country.”
On his part, Senator Kabiru Gaya (Kano South) said everything possible must be done to recover the funds.
He said: “This is a government of change and the Eighth Senate should not leave any stone unturned in bringing the N25 billion back to the treasury.”
In his contribution, Senate President Bukola Saraki said the “committee has to quicken investigation because it is no longer acceptable for Nigeria to lose money to private organisations”.
https://mobile.facebook.com/hotelieradefemi.adesida/posts/1100756113269739?comment_id=1100835023261848&offset=0&total_comments=1&ref=m_notif¬if_t=feed_comment&refid=52&pos=4&_rdr#!/story.php?story_fbid=10208131964604897&id=1474167773
Consequently, the chamber ordered its committees to immediately begin the probe of the alleged abuse of the transfers.
According to the parliament, the transaction was contracted to an e-collection agent, REMITA, which collected 1 per cent of the entire N2.5 trillion moved to the TSA.
This 1 per cent commission, the Senate added, translated to a whopping N25 billion earned by REMITA from the transfers in gross violation of Section 162(1) of the 1999 Constitution.
It also added that the N25 billion paid to the company was not all that had so far been paid to REMITA, disclosing that payments to the company has remained a continuous process.
Section 162(1) of the constitution provides that “the federation shall maintain a special account to be called the federation account into which all revenues collected by the government of the federation except the proceeds from the personal income tax of the personnel of the Armed Forces of the Federation, the Nigeria Police Force, the ministry or department of government charged with foreign affairs and the residents of the FCT, Abuja”.
The Senate held that going by this provision, all revenues accruable to the federal government ought to be paid directly to the TSA as the case may be and not shared with anybody.
The Senate mandated its joint Committee on Finance, Banking and Other Financial Institutions and Public Accounts to carry out a holistic investigation into the transfers and report its findings within four weeks.
The upper parliamentary chamber also asked the Ministry of Finance and the CBN to forthwith suspend payments to the consulting firm, REMITA, until the outcome of the investigation is made public.
The chamber which however commended President Muhammadu Buhari for the enforcement of transfers to the TSA, added that the essence of the initiative was to prevent keeping government revenues or their spread in various accounts outside the CBN.
The mover of the motion, Senator Dino Melaye (Kogi West), said he was aware that by the policy directive, all agencies generating revenues for the government such as the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) and Bureau of Public Entreprises (BPE), among others, were to pay all revenues they generated to the consolidated revenue fund.
He added: “The Senate observes that in the course of the operations of the TSA, the federal government on the 15th of September, 2015 mopped up the sum of N2.5 trillion through its e-collection agent called REMITA which charges 1 per cent of all monies passing through it, the implication of which 1 per cent of the N2.5 trillion mopped up on 15th September, 2015 alone amounted to N25 billion largesse to REMITA for doing nothing.”
Melaye further added that the appointment of REMITA as operations agent for the TSA was illegal because it contravened the provision of Section 162(1) of the constitution.
Furthermore, Melaye said given the constitutional provision, “the CBN is the sole institution that is mandated to collect and disburse monies on behalf of the federal government and where it has no branch, it may appoint another bank as agent to perform the function of collections and disbursement of revenue on behalf of the government of the federation, so using REMITA which is not a registered bank completely offends the CBN Act”.
He also described the development as a violation of BOFIA Act of 2007 which according to him, provides that no person(s) shall carry out any banking business in Nigeria unless the company is incorporated in Nigeria and holds a valid licence under the Act.
Melaye further argued that anyone who transacts business without a valid licence as stipulated by the Act is guilty of an offence and upon conviction liable to 10 years imprisonment or a fine of N2 million or both.
He added: “The activities of REMITA is a gross violation of the BOFIA Act and another attempt at ripping Nigerians of task payers’ money that would have been channelled to other sectors of the national economy.”
The motion generated a heated debate in the chamber as senators condemned the development and demanded its thorough probe.
In his contribution, Senate Leader, Ali Ndume, described it as sabotage and advocated the need to compel the culprits to refund the money. “I do not believe that this could happen under this government. However, if it is true, the people involved are saboteurs and must be compelled to return the money and face the wrath of the law,” he said.
Ndume, who also said he had asked the CBN Governor, Mr. Godwin Emefiele, about the scam, told his colleagues that Emefiele denied knowledge of it.
While supporting the motion, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe (Abia South) sarcastically mocked the All Progressives Congress’ (APC) claim of change.
“Is this the change we are looking for? I will not ask the question. Somebody made the decision. Who gave the order? Somebody then must be made responsible. In matters like this, we must not be partisan. I fully support the motion. It is beyond the party,” he said.
Also speaking, the Deputy Senate Leader, Ibn Na'Allah, called on his colleagues to ensure that the right step is taken to address the unwholesome development. “The Eighth Senate is distinct and must do what is right and in accordance with the law. We will do what is right at all times.
“The Eighth Senate will not subject itself to public referendum through the social media,” he said.
In his contribution, Senator Shehu Sani (Kaduna Central) said whereas, the TSA is a good idea designed to move the economy forward “it is clear that the idea is being abused and exploited. We have to investigate the matter”.
In the same vein, Senator Bassey Akpan (Akwa Ibom North-east) said: “If nothing is done on this matter, it will lead the youth of this country on a nationwide protest against this government.
“There is a total collapse of the road network and other infrastructure facilities in the country.”
On his part, Senator Kabiru Gaya (Kano South) said everything possible must be done to recover the funds.
He said: “This is a government of change and the Eighth Senate should not leave any stone unturned in bringing the N25 billion back to the treasury.”
In his contribution, Senate President Bukola Saraki said the “committee has to quicken investigation because it is no longer acceptable for Nigeria to lose money to private organisations”.
https://mobile.facebook.com/hotelieradefemi.adesida/posts/1100756113269739?comment_id=1100835023261848&offset=0&total_comments=1&ref=m_notif¬if_t=feed_comment&refid=52&pos=4&_rdr#!/story.php?story_fbid=10208131964604897&id=1474167773
CHANGE! 27 Things That Has Happened In Nigeria Since PMB Took Over
President Muhammadu Buhari has been able to record some successes in his administration so far.
To inform Nigerians, Below are 27 things that has happened since inception of President Muhammadu as Grand Commander-in-Chief of the Federal Republic of Nigeria
buhariNG.jpg
1.Relocation of Military Central Command Centre to Borno from Abuja
2.Listing of 100 Most Wanted Boko Haram Members to the public
3.Ministerial thorough screening and confirmation
4.Non Interference in the legislative duties
5.Appointment of New INEC Boss and Commissioners
6.Restructuring and re awakenening of the Anti Graft Agency – EFCC
7.Merging of Ministries and Federal Parastatals
8.State Bailout funds
9.Various Tribunal Annulments
10.Treasury Single Account (TSA)
11.Over-hauling and transparency of the NNPC
12.Currency devaluation
13.No progress on Boko Haram
14.In the process of repatriating stolen funds from Foreign countries
15.Reduction in the scarcity of fuel
16.Appreciable Improvement in Power Supply in Various Parts of the Country
17.Scrabble, Basketball and Football (Under 17 World Cup) Championships
18.Reducing the Size and Cost of Governance
19.Waging a “Non-Negotiable” War against Corruption
20.Prioritizing Regional Cooperation
21.Chibok Girls are not back home
22.High rate of Unemployment
23.De-marketing Nigeria
24.Dwindling economy
25.Scrapping of SURE-P programme
26.Low profit for Multinational Companies
27.Retrenchment of Permanent Secretaries
source:nigerianbulletin
To inform Nigerians, Below are 27 things that has happened since inception of President Muhammadu as Grand Commander-in-Chief of the Federal Republic of Nigeria
buhariNG.jpg
1.Relocation of Military Central Command Centre to Borno from Abuja
2.Listing of 100 Most Wanted Boko Haram Members to the public
3.Ministerial thorough screening and confirmation
4.Non Interference in the legislative duties
5.Appointment of New INEC Boss and Commissioners
6.Restructuring and re awakenening of the Anti Graft Agency – EFCC
7.Merging of Ministries and Federal Parastatals
8.State Bailout funds
9.Various Tribunal Annulments
10.Treasury Single Account (TSA)
11.Over-hauling and transparency of the NNPC
12.Currency devaluation
13.No progress on Boko Haram
14.In the process of repatriating stolen funds from Foreign countries
15.Reduction in the scarcity of fuel
16.Appreciable Improvement in Power Supply in Various Parts of the Country
17.Scrabble, Basketball and Football (Under 17 World Cup) Championships
18.Reducing the Size and Cost of Governance
19.Waging a “Non-Negotiable” War against Corruption
20.Prioritizing Regional Cooperation
21.Chibok Girls are not back home
22.High rate of Unemployment
23.De-marketing Nigeria
24.Dwindling economy
25.Scrapping of SURE-P programme
26.Low profit for Multinational Companies
27.Retrenchment of Permanent Secretaries
source:nigerianbulletin
Must Read! 'Only Weaklings Beat Woman' By Obire Onakemu
Background fond memories of growing up
My name is Vivienne Pwa’aguso Ogboru; I’m married to Barrister Turner Ogboru. I hail from Numan in Adamawa State. My father had thirteen wives and many children, which were kind of fun. Looking back now, I see how we lived in this ‘full house’ of ours, loving and tolerating one another other. What a great house, so many children from different women and most of whom were from different ethnic tribes from that of my father. As children there was no excessive quarrelling. We were one big happy family, with a common goal of it was when we started growing older and wiser that all those problems that go with polygamy started coming up, otherwise it was fun.
Early childhood environmental influences
My dad was a custom officer. We did a lot of travelling, moving around like the nomads. It was exciting making new friends, meeting people, exposure to different cultures, sometimes we were in Ibo land, at another in Yoruba land, Hausa land and other places. There is the fact that I was able to blend in almost every society or ethnic group or state that we lived. As a child it was easy because children are innocent, easy going and great imitators, wonderful copy cat, and so very flexible.
I am daddy’s daughter, my daddy’s favourite child, being the most loved among many; I had access to a lot of things. I always had my way, playing around his fingers to get whatever I needed, whenever I wanted. Now in adulthood, I realise how my childhood experiences have helped to shape me, taught me to be tolerant, to always stand up for the truth and forgive in love.
D-nest family foundation
Now D-Nest Family Foundation was born out of a burning desire to make relationships better and if possible, to help others not to undergo some of the bitter experiences I had in life, and it is unique in the sense that it is all about the family. It is said that “the family is the bedrock of every society” and that is my core concern. I usually ask to be shown a successful man and I would tell you what kind of family he is from. Where there is no successful family ‘decking’, there can hardly be any success in any other aspects of life. The beginning and the end of it must have to start from the home- from the family.
D-nest Family Foundation was born for the need of the family. There are a lot of injuries and all that, we deal with several issues that concern relationships generally: courting, dating, marriage, divorce, parenting, children, money, education, widowhood, orphans, nation building etc.
Having being married for some years now and an inter-tribal marriage for that matter, and some of the experiences that I have passed through, I realised that there was need to establish the NGO. First and foremost there are families out there that have need for the experiences that I had, for the lessons that I learnt and the things that I have seen. For me to be able to tell them that there is hope to be in between cultures and traditions and yet come out positively healthy and to be able to stay married.
My responsibility to my fellow man through D-Nest Family Foundation is ensuring the core healthy values of the family. The things that make family relationships tick. We want to see happy homes, we want to see well- trained, well brought up children, and we want to see responsible leadership at the home front. We want to see an able and well-developed youth with positive attitude, considerate and patriotic. We want to see restored hope in our communities, true friendship among the people.
In our communities today, culture and tradition is undermined, the family is shrinking to a nucleus setting: me, myself and I kind of family. Our desire and prayer is to see family ties strengthened. Africa has family values that are strong and tenant, the African strength is strength derived from unity, the unity of the family and that we cannot ignore. D-Nest Family Foundation hopes that we would be able to help the family live long and have healthier relationships, thereby building a better people in a better society.
Uniqueness of D-Nest Family Foundation
It is unique because it is dealing with the heart of creation; it is dealing with the heart of national development; it is dealing with the heart of humanity and that is the family.
Like I said earlier, without a healthy family there cannot be a healthy society, without a healthy society there cannot be healthy governance. So whenever we feel and condemn the people in leadership, if the family is not paid attention to, if the family is not considered, if the family is not taken care of, if the family is not properly structured and re-assured, if the family is not given its rightful place in our society, then it will continually be a rotten society marked by unyielding and rotten governance. You cannot give what you do not have nor can you sow corn and reap mango. Can a child who grew up seeing and doing fraud frown at it? He cannot see anything wrong in it!
Likewise is it not strange that a man decides to marry a man in the name of minority rights, and then expects to have children. Now you suggest adoption, whose children, generation and inheritance is been traded? If you think you are wiser and smarter than God our creator, then go ahead and have children from your own ‘wombs’ oh gay! What insanity!
D-Nest Family Foundation in the next five years
In the next five years to come, D-Nest Family Foundation is a family name. It would help develop our youths positively (education and skills acquisition), encourage self development, self employment and self sustenance, build back sparks of romance and joy into families and marriages, minimise the rates of separation and divorce in marriages, and reestablish healthy family values and neighborliness.
We all started from our homes, so our major assignment is our family, then Nigeria, we can extend to Africa coasts, and to the world at large, since its a global vision.
On violence against women
Do you know that it is only weaklings that beat a woman? If you have those muscles to flex, go and flex them with a man your size.
Women would always be women. A woman can open her mouth, saying she would swallow you up but whatever it takes, take a lesson from my husband. If I used to be a ‘talking jack’, he would take off, cool off and return sane. A woman with a big mouth drive guys insane, please get away for sometime so that you don’t hurt her.
But you, woman, grow up! Anger and its venom ain’t healthy for you; you’ll just make yourself sick… Uhhhh-huh! Must you speak when you don’t have the right thing to say? Must you let out your disgust and disrespect for him out? Do you not know that you could be killed? You need immediate counselling and help for yourself first. But then have you tried reading the manual for marriage? Check it up in www.bible.is!
In this millennium, it is unfit and shameful to beat up your wife. When a man continues to beat up a woman each time she did something wrong, no matter the provocation, that man lacks self control and not fit to be in leadership. It is obvious that the man is weak and perhaps insane, he should have a’shrink’s attention. Have you ever seen a man that takes up a cane and starts to beat his buttocks because it is misbehaving? He bears it because it is part of him!
The marriage manual (Bible) says that ‘a man and wife are one’. If you beat your wife, it is yourself you are beating, directly or indirectly. And the repercussion would come. If only I can be allowed to talk to our men, I would beg them please do not beat up a woman but love her. When you love her, you are obeying God, you have a clear conscience, you get breakthrough, success becomes your second name… and if truly you are one with your wife, and you love her, there is no way you can beat her, instead you’ll forgive and cherish her knowing that you – two – are one.
Regrets in life
Regrets only mar you, enslave and imprison you. You don’t live in regrets and maximise your potentials. Whatever appears as regret, see it as a stepping stone because you are headed somewhere. I do not have any regrets. Life is a journey; full of battles and stories, and hey, I want to write my beautiful story in the sand of time. I never regret having lived my life, my experiences made me better.
Any fears
I have fallen too many times to be afraid of falling.
Being married to Apostle Turner Ogboru
Turner is an awesome guy, very large kind hearted, loving, caring and considerate. Trust me, if he isn’t I would have said so. What makes Turner who he is, is Jesus Christ. With no apologies, we are madly in love with the Jesus and with each other. We read the marriage manual and the help is tremendous! It is common knowledge among our friends that “Vivienne and Turner are meant for each other, none could have fitted elsewhere. Though we have our differences, our quarrels, our disagreements, we usually disagree to agree so that we can move forward.
On matrimonial cultural differences
Our marriage is one of the best talking in terms of inter-tribal marriages. This is because my husband is not tradition-maniac. And to tell the truth, I am not either, just the basics are enough. We simply “live and let’s live”
So I know him and agree in every way. He is a very patient man. With all my wahala, he tolerates me and we just move on. I do not think that I have gone through a lot of negative sides of him, but I would like to say that for those couples that are into inter-tribal marriages, they should make room for compromise and unity, room for tolerance and little bending here and there. Don’t be too rigid, because those cultural differences would always be there. Some are as old as creation and they would always be there, however, we should allow love, respect and unity
The last comments
I love the family. I come from a family. I have my own good times, I have my own setbacks; I have my difficult times, but above all, the family would always be family, of all known places in the world, there is no place like home and home is where family is.
http://www.ngrguardiannews.com/2015/11/only-weaklings-beat-women/
My name is Vivienne Pwa’aguso Ogboru; I’m married to Barrister Turner Ogboru. I hail from Numan in Adamawa State. My father had thirteen wives and many children, which were kind of fun. Looking back now, I see how we lived in this ‘full house’ of ours, loving and tolerating one another other. What a great house, so many children from different women and most of whom were from different ethnic tribes from that of my father. As children there was no excessive quarrelling. We were one big happy family, with a common goal of it was when we started growing older and wiser that all those problems that go with polygamy started coming up, otherwise it was fun.
Early childhood environmental influences
My dad was a custom officer. We did a lot of travelling, moving around like the nomads. It was exciting making new friends, meeting people, exposure to different cultures, sometimes we were in Ibo land, at another in Yoruba land, Hausa land and other places. There is the fact that I was able to blend in almost every society or ethnic group or state that we lived. As a child it was easy because children are innocent, easy going and great imitators, wonderful copy cat, and so very flexible.
I am daddy’s daughter, my daddy’s favourite child, being the most loved among many; I had access to a lot of things. I always had my way, playing around his fingers to get whatever I needed, whenever I wanted. Now in adulthood, I realise how my childhood experiences have helped to shape me, taught me to be tolerant, to always stand up for the truth and forgive in love.
D-nest family foundation
Now D-Nest Family Foundation was born out of a burning desire to make relationships better and if possible, to help others not to undergo some of the bitter experiences I had in life, and it is unique in the sense that it is all about the family. It is said that “the family is the bedrock of every society” and that is my core concern. I usually ask to be shown a successful man and I would tell you what kind of family he is from. Where there is no successful family ‘decking’, there can hardly be any success in any other aspects of life. The beginning and the end of it must have to start from the home- from the family.
D-nest Family Foundation was born for the need of the family. There are a lot of injuries and all that, we deal with several issues that concern relationships generally: courting, dating, marriage, divorce, parenting, children, money, education, widowhood, orphans, nation building etc.
Having being married for some years now and an inter-tribal marriage for that matter, and some of the experiences that I have passed through, I realised that there was need to establish the NGO. First and foremost there are families out there that have need for the experiences that I had, for the lessons that I learnt and the things that I have seen. For me to be able to tell them that there is hope to be in between cultures and traditions and yet come out positively healthy and to be able to stay married.
My responsibility to my fellow man through D-Nest Family Foundation is ensuring the core healthy values of the family. The things that make family relationships tick. We want to see happy homes, we want to see well- trained, well brought up children, and we want to see responsible leadership at the home front. We want to see an able and well-developed youth with positive attitude, considerate and patriotic. We want to see restored hope in our communities, true friendship among the people.
In our communities today, culture and tradition is undermined, the family is shrinking to a nucleus setting: me, myself and I kind of family. Our desire and prayer is to see family ties strengthened. Africa has family values that are strong and tenant, the African strength is strength derived from unity, the unity of the family and that we cannot ignore. D-Nest Family Foundation hopes that we would be able to help the family live long and have healthier relationships, thereby building a better people in a better society.
Uniqueness of D-Nest Family Foundation
It is unique because it is dealing with the heart of creation; it is dealing with the heart of national development; it is dealing with the heart of humanity and that is the family.
Like I said earlier, without a healthy family there cannot be a healthy society, without a healthy society there cannot be healthy governance. So whenever we feel and condemn the people in leadership, if the family is not paid attention to, if the family is not considered, if the family is not taken care of, if the family is not properly structured and re-assured, if the family is not given its rightful place in our society, then it will continually be a rotten society marked by unyielding and rotten governance. You cannot give what you do not have nor can you sow corn and reap mango. Can a child who grew up seeing and doing fraud frown at it? He cannot see anything wrong in it!
Likewise is it not strange that a man decides to marry a man in the name of minority rights, and then expects to have children. Now you suggest adoption, whose children, generation and inheritance is been traded? If you think you are wiser and smarter than God our creator, then go ahead and have children from your own ‘wombs’ oh gay! What insanity!
D-Nest Family Foundation in the next five years
In the next five years to come, D-Nest Family Foundation is a family name. It would help develop our youths positively (education and skills acquisition), encourage self development, self employment and self sustenance, build back sparks of romance and joy into families and marriages, minimise the rates of separation and divorce in marriages, and reestablish healthy family values and neighborliness.
We all started from our homes, so our major assignment is our family, then Nigeria, we can extend to Africa coasts, and to the world at large, since its a global vision.
On violence against women
Do you know that it is only weaklings that beat a woman? If you have those muscles to flex, go and flex them with a man your size.
Women would always be women. A woman can open her mouth, saying she would swallow you up but whatever it takes, take a lesson from my husband. If I used to be a ‘talking jack’, he would take off, cool off and return sane. A woman with a big mouth drive guys insane, please get away for sometime so that you don’t hurt her.
But you, woman, grow up! Anger and its venom ain’t healthy for you; you’ll just make yourself sick… Uhhhh-huh! Must you speak when you don’t have the right thing to say? Must you let out your disgust and disrespect for him out? Do you not know that you could be killed? You need immediate counselling and help for yourself first. But then have you tried reading the manual for marriage? Check it up in www.bible.is!
In this millennium, it is unfit and shameful to beat up your wife. When a man continues to beat up a woman each time she did something wrong, no matter the provocation, that man lacks self control and not fit to be in leadership. It is obvious that the man is weak and perhaps insane, he should have a’shrink’s attention. Have you ever seen a man that takes up a cane and starts to beat his buttocks because it is misbehaving? He bears it because it is part of him!
The marriage manual (Bible) says that ‘a man and wife are one’. If you beat your wife, it is yourself you are beating, directly or indirectly. And the repercussion would come. If only I can be allowed to talk to our men, I would beg them please do not beat up a woman but love her. When you love her, you are obeying God, you have a clear conscience, you get breakthrough, success becomes your second name… and if truly you are one with your wife, and you love her, there is no way you can beat her, instead you’ll forgive and cherish her knowing that you – two – are one.
Regrets in life
Regrets only mar you, enslave and imprison you. You don’t live in regrets and maximise your potentials. Whatever appears as regret, see it as a stepping stone because you are headed somewhere. I do not have any regrets. Life is a journey; full of battles and stories, and hey, I want to write my beautiful story in the sand of time. I never regret having lived my life, my experiences made me better.
Any fears
I have fallen too many times to be afraid of falling.
Being married to Apostle Turner Ogboru
Turner is an awesome guy, very large kind hearted, loving, caring and considerate. Trust me, if he isn’t I would have said so. What makes Turner who he is, is Jesus Christ. With no apologies, we are madly in love with the Jesus and with each other. We read the marriage manual and the help is tremendous! It is common knowledge among our friends that “Vivienne and Turner are meant for each other, none could have fitted elsewhere. Though we have our differences, our quarrels, our disagreements, we usually disagree to agree so that we can move forward.
On matrimonial cultural differences
Our marriage is one of the best talking in terms of inter-tribal marriages. This is because my husband is not tradition-maniac. And to tell the truth, I am not either, just the basics are enough. We simply “live and let’s live”
So I know him and agree in every way. He is a very patient man. With all my wahala, he tolerates me and we just move on. I do not think that I have gone through a lot of negative sides of him, but I would like to say that for those couples that are into inter-tribal marriages, they should make room for compromise and unity, room for tolerance and little bending here and there. Don’t be too rigid, because those cultural differences would always be there. Some are as old as creation and they would always be there, however, we should allow love, respect and unity
The last comments
I love the family. I come from a family. I have my own good times, I have my own setbacks; I have my difficult times, but above all, the family would always be family, of all known places in the world, there is no place like home and home is where family is.
http://www.ngrguardiannews.com/2015/11/only-weaklings-beat-women/
Disgusting! Man caught on camera stealing from church offering:Video
Wonder they say shall never end and I wonder why stealing from the church offerings is tue best for this man. n Ocala, Fla. man has been arrested and charged with STEALING from the church collection plate. One of the church's USHERS was caught on video surveillance stealing $349.05 from plate.
Police were watching the cameras NEARBY, and arrested him. He now faces five years in prison . . . and an ETERNITY IN HELL!
Click below to watch the video
https://m.facebook.com/mediatakeout/?__tn__=C
Police were watching the cameras NEARBY, and arrested him. He now faces five years in prison . . . and an ETERNITY IN HELL!
Click below to watch the video
https://m.facebook.com/mediatakeout/?__tn__=C
Shocker as Whiz Khalifa was beaten black and it affects his face ...
Rapper Wiz Khalifa showed up to the club yesterday looking VERY BADLY BEATEN. It's not yet clear who did that to him . . . but they must have been REALLY UPSET WITH HIM!!!
In unrelated news, last week there were RUMORS that Wiz Khalifa was messing around with Rick Ross fiance Lira Galore. Lira has since DENIED that she ever messed with Wiz.
Right now, the Pittsburgh-bred rapper wants less violence in his life . . . and more loving. He's just released a new single, "F**c Day." Just in case you can't figure what it's about from the title, Wiz is explaining to his latest love that he's going to be putting it down for her in the bedroom.
Wiz is also back in the studio, working on his next album Rolling Papers 2: The Weed Album. Let's hope the beatdown don't affect his vocal pipes.
Click the link to see pics
http://mediatakeout.com/287380/mto-shock-pics-someone-beat-blood-out-of-rapper-wiz-khalifah-they-blacked-his-eye-and-scarred-up-his-face.html?mobile=1
In unrelated news, last week there were RUMORS that Wiz Khalifa was messing around with Rick Ross fiance Lira Galore. Lira has since DENIED that she ever messed with Wiz.
Right now, the Pittsburgh-bred rapper wants less violence in his life . . . and more loving. He's just released a new single, "F**c Day." Just in case you can't figure what it's about from the title, Wiz is explaining to his latest love that he's going to be putting it down for her in the bedroom.
Wiz is also back in the studio, working on his next album Rolling Papers 2: The Weed Album. Let's hope the beatdown don't affect his vocal pipes.
Click the link to see pics
http://mediatakeout.com/287380/mto-shock-pics-someone-beat-blood-out-of-rapper-wiz-khalifah-they-blacked-his-eye-and-scarred-up-his-face.html?mobile=1
Rebranding PDP: Challenging road to rebirth
The long expected move by the former ruling Peoples Democratic Party, PDP to reinvent itself was yesterday turning into a comedy of errors
By Emmanuel Aziken, Political Editor
High ranking party members were taken aback after the country’s former military president, General Ibrahim Babangida who had been scheduled as the special guest of honour at the national conference of the PDP starting today issued a stern rebuke to the party disclaiming his involvement.
“I have many friends and associates in the two dominant political parties; APC and PDP, and numerous other smaller political parties. At this stage of my political journey, I want to be able to interact and socialize with them without being branded “anti-party”,” the former military ruler said.
“It is on the score of this that I have elected to turn down this request to participate in the rebranding conference of the PDP in a partisan manner.”
Babaginda was not the only one. Dr. Samuel Ogbemudia, the respected former governor of the old Bendel State is also set to make a no show as sources close to him disclosed yesterday that he had not received an invitation besides the public advertisements that had been running.
Even worse, some of those being paraded by the party to be the organisers of the conference were claiming not to be involved.
Members of the National Working Committee, NWC, which reluctantly gave in to the idea of the conference, were meanwhile yesterday trying to minimise the damage arising from the faux pas.
The idea of the national conference was in fact not the idea of the NWC and members had stoutly opposed it when it was first mooted given that the leadership had already delegated a committee headed by Senator Ike Ekweremadu, the deputy president of the Senate and the party’s highest elected public official to study the outcome of the last election and make recommendations.
Ekweremadu committee
The Ekweremadu committee finished its work and submitted its report to the NWC more than a month ago. The expectation of the NWC was that the report of the Ekweremadu Committee should be the working document to reinvent the party, but some had other suggestions.
pdpelecHowever, NWC members who are increasingly facing calls for their exit from power were hamstrung to openly stop the plans for the conference as doing so would portray them as being desperate to hold on to power.
A number of stakeholders who championed the need for the conference including Dr. Raymond Dokpesi, Senator Ibrahim Mantu among others were believed to have also established relations with the Board of Trustees, BoT of the party through the chairman, Dr. Mohammed Bello who without consideration of the NWC endorsed the conference. It was against that background that the NWC reluctantly gave in to the plans for the conference.
The conference as envisaged was expected to bring back a number of old faces including some of the original founders of the party who had not partaken in the programmes of the party in the immediate past.
Among those contacted and had been publicised were Babangida, Ogbemudia, Dr. Alex Ekwueme, Mallam Adamu Ciroma among others.
In fact, some NWC members it was learned had asked the organisers to shift the date of the conference away from today and tomorrow on account of the nearness of the elections in Kogi and Bayelsa.
“We told them that it was best that we get the elections in Kogi and Bayelsa out of our way first before this kind of conference,” a senior party official told Vanguard yesterday.
However, the response from the organising committee was that Ekwueme, Ciroma and Babangida had firmed up that date as when they would be available, a development that prompted the NWC to give the conference more seriousness.
It was as such not surprising that when he was formally inaugurating the committee that the acting national chairman, Prince Uche Secondus confidently charged the committee thus:
“This national conference is meant to fashion out strategy that would help PDP sustain democratic ideals while in opposition, hence the choice of the conference theme, “PDP and the sustenance of democratic ideals in Nigeria”
It was especially so, given suggestions that the PDP could take opportunity of the continuing problems of the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC in the National Assembly and flowing from disgruntlements over the choice of ministers to take the ascendancy.
The organising committee is led by Dr. Raymond Dokpesi who had earlier been tasked with the tasking duty of leading the party’s e-registration drive.
The high profile of those supposedly organising the PDP conference also gave some measure of credibility to the conference.
Measure of credibility
Among those listed to attend were all former presidents, serving and former governors, serving and former principal officers of the National Assembly, members of the state Houses of Assembly among others had drawn attention to the conference as the possible opportunity for the PDP to reinvent itself.
However, the prospects of the only former president still in the party, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan attending are said to be remote. Jonathan is believed to have recently left the country for Europe and the only other living former president, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo has torn his membership card.
For a conference expected to rebrand the party, the imprint of anarchy that was the trademark of the party in its days in power may have to be first addressed.
http://www.vanguardngr.com/2015/11/rebranding-pdp-challenging-road-to-rebirth/
By Emmanuel Aziken, Political Editor
High ranking party members were taken aback after the country’s former military president, General Ibrahim Babangida who had been scheduled as the special guest of honour at the national conference of the PDP starting today issued a stern rebuke to the party disclaiming his involvement.
“I have many friends and associates in the two dominant political parties; APC and PDP, and numerous other smaller political parties. At this stage of my political journey, I want to be able to interact and socialize with them without being branded “anti-party”,” the former military ruler said.
“It is on the score of this that I have elected to turn down this request to participate in the rebranding conference of the PDP in a partisan manner.”
Babaginda was not the only one. Dr. Samuel Ogbemudia, the respected former governor of the old Bendel State is also set to make a no show as sources close to him disclosed yesterday that he had not received an invitation besides the public advertisements that had been running.
Even worse, some of those being paraded by the party to be the organisers of the conference were claiming not to be involved.
Members of the National Working Committee, NWC, which reluctantly gave in to the idea of the conference, were meanwhile yesterday trying to minimise the damage arising from the faux pas.
The idea of the national conference was in fact not the idea of the NWC and members had stoutly opposed it when it was first mooted given that the leadership had already delegated a committee headed by Senator Ike Ekweremadu, the deputy president of the Senate and the party’s highest elected public official to study the outcome of the last election and make recommendations.
Ekweremadu committee
The Ekweremadu committee finished its work and submitted its report to the NWC more than a month ago. The expectation of the NWC was that the report of the Ekweremadu Committee should be the working document to reinvent the party, but some had other suggestions.
pdpelecHowever, NWC members who are increasingly facing calls for their exit from power were hamstrung to openly stop the plans for the conference as doing so would portray them as being desperate to hold on to power.
A number of stakeholders who championed the need for the conference including Dr. Raymond Dokpesi, Senator Ibrahim Mantu among others were believed to have also established relations with the Board of Trustees, BoT of the party through the chairman, Dr. Mohammed Bello who without consideration of the NWC endorsed the conference. It was against that background that the NWC reluctantly gave in to the plans for the conference.
The conference as envisaged was expected to bring back a number of old faces including some of the original founders of the party who had not partaken in the programmes of the party in the immediate past.
Among those contacted and had been publicised were Babangida, Ogbemudia, Dr. Alex Ekwueme, Mallam Adamu Ciroma among others.
In fact, some NWC members it was learned had asked the organisers to shift the date of the conference away from today and tomorrow on account of the nearness of the elections in Kogi and Bayelsa.
“We told them that it was best that we get the elections in Kogi and Bayelsa out of our way first before this kind of conference,” a senior party official told Vanguard yesterday.
However, the response from the organising committee was that Ekwueme, Ciroma and Babangida had firmed up that date as when they would be available, a development that prompted the NWC to give the conference more seriousness.
It was as such not surprising that when he was formally inaugurating the committee that the acting national chairman, Prince Uche Secondus confidently charged the committee thus:
“This national conference is meant to fashion out strategy that would help PDP sustain democratic ideals while in opposition, hence the choice of the conference theme, “PDP and the sustenance of democratic ideals in Nigeria”
It was especially so, given suggestions that the PDP could take opportunity of the continuing problems of the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC in the National Assembly and flowing from disgruntlements over the choice of ministers to take the ascendancy.
The organising committee is led by Dr. Raymond Dokpesi who had earlier been tasked with the tasking duty of leading the party’s e-registration drive.
The high profile of those supposedly organising the PDP conference also gave some measure of credibility to the conference.
Measure of credibility
Among those listed to attend were all former presidents, serving and former governors, serving and former principal officers of the National Assembly, members of the state Houses of Assembly among others had drawn attention to the conference as the possible opportunity for the PDP to reinvent itself.
However, the prospects of the only former president still in the party, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan attending are said to be remote. Jonathan is believed to have recently left the country for Europe and the only other living former president, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo has torn his membership card.
For a conference expected to rebrand the party, the imprint of anarchy that was the trademark of the party in its days in power may have to be first addressed.
http://www.vanguardngr.com/2015/11/rebranding-pdp-challenging-road-to-rebirth/
Must Read: The great significance of eggshells
Egg’s shell is natural source of minerals and contains 90% calcium. Calcium is easily absorbed by our body because its chemical composition is almost identical to human’s teeth and bones.
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If consumed in larger amounts, calcium will not only get rid of lack of calcium-symptoms, but it will also prevent osteoporosis’ development, stimulate the bone narrow in producing blood cells and help when it comes to treating high cholesterol levels and high blood pressure.
Egg shell also contains iron, zinc, copper, manganese, fluorine, phosphorus, chromium and molybdenum. Therefore, many experts recommend shell eggs as a natural and very effective calcium supplement.
It is recommended to enter 1.5 to 3 grams of crushed shells a day.
Here are several ideas on how to use egg shell and what to use them for:
1. Strengthening the organism and cleansing the blood
Wash 5 egg shells, crush them good and put them in 3 liters of water. Keep this mixture in the refrigerator for 7 days before using it as a drinking water. Drink two to three glasses of this mixture a day. You can add lemon juice if you want to.
2. Thyroid gland
Take 8 egg shells, wash them good and crush them even better. Pour juice of 2 lemons over the crushed egg shells and leave in refrigerator for several days. When shell will soften, strain the liquid and mix it with 1 liter of rakia and 1 kg of honey. Let this mixture stand still for 7 days before using it. Consume one teaspoon two to four times per day after meals.
3. Gastritis, ulcer
Crush some egg shells. Pick some using the tip of the knife. This amount of egg shells will be enough for treating these diseases. Mix the crushed egg shells with 2 tablespoons of lemon juice. When shells will soften, add one deciliter of hot milk. Consume this mixture 2 times a day – on an empty stomach in the morning and before bedtime in the evening.
Source: NaturalHealthCareforYou.com
9aa09bfa52d56b4651d6345f05e6efc9_L
If consumed in larger amounts, calcium will not only get rid of lack of calcium-symptoms, but it will also prevent osteoporosis’ development, stimulate the bone narrow in producing blood cells and help when it comes to treating high cholesterol levels and high blood pressure.
Egg shell also contains iron, zinc, copper, manganese, fluorine, phosphorus, chromium and molybdenum. Therefore, many experts recommend shell eggs as a natural and very effective calcium supplement.
It is recommended to enter 1.5 to 3 grams of crushed shells a day.
Here are several ideas on how to use egg shell and what to use them for:
1. Strengthening the organism and cleansing the blood
Wash 5 egg shells, crush them good and put them in 3 liters of water. Keep this mixture in the refrigerator for 7 days before using it as a drinking water. Drink two to three glasses of this mixture a day. You can add lemon juice if you want to.
2. Thyroid gland
Take 8 egg shells, wash them good and crush them even better. Pour juice of 2 lemons over the crushed egg shells and leave in refrigerator for several days. When shell will soften, strain the liquid and mix it with 1 liter of rakia and 1 kg of honey. Let this mixture stand still for 7 days before using it. Consume one teaspoon two to four times per day after meals.
3. Gastritis, ulcer
Crush some egg shells. Pick some using the tip of the knife. This amount of egg shells will be enough for treating these diseases. Mix the crushed egg shells with 2 tablespoons of lemon juice. When shells will soften, add one deciliter of hot milk. Consume this mixture 2 times a day – on an empty stomach in the morning and before bedtime in the evening.
Source: NaturalHealthCareforYou.com
Wednesday 11 November 2015
Get use to 11 Do’s and Don’t Buhari Handed Nigeria’s New Ministers
As captured by yuppytv, President Buhari today inaugurated and gave portfolio to 36 new ministers. While doing that, Buhari read out strict 11 Do’s and Don’ts the new ministers must follow.
1.Foreign travels must be duty-related
2.Ministers must operate within lean resources;
3.No more flamboyance
4.Strict adherence to the rule of law
5.Compliance to Civil Service Rules
6.Living above board;
7.Co-operation with Permanent Secretaries
8.No more rancour between ministers and ministers of State
9.Appointment of some aides should be from the civil service
10.Drastic reduction of vehicles in convoys
11.All decisions must lead to change.
1.Foreign travels must be duty-related
2.Ministers must operate within lean resources;
3.No more flamboyance
4.Strict adherence to the rule of law
5.Compliance to Civil Service Rules
6.Living above board;
7.Co-operation with Permanent Secretaries
8.No more rancour between ministers and ministers of State
9.Appointment of some aides should be from the civil service
10.Drastic reduction of vehicles in convoys
11.All decisions must lead to change.
Here is the List of Nigeria's new minister's and their portfolios
This present this after announced his ministers and their portfolios. Find full list below...
Abubakar Malami- Minister of Justice
Geoffrey Onyeama- Minister of Foreign Affairs
Mohammed Dan Ali- Minister f Defence
Adamu Adamu- Minister of Education
Anthony Anwuka- State minister of Education
Kemi Adeosun- Minister of Finance
Okechukwu Enelemah- Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment
Aisha Abubakar- State minister Industry, Trade and Investment
Chris Ngige- Minister of Labor and Employment
James Ocholi- State Minister of Labor and Employment
Mohammed Bello- FCT Minister
Abdulrahman Dambazzau- Interior Minister
Udoma Udo Udoma- Minister of Budget and National Planning
Zainab Ahmed- State Minister Budget and National Planning
Emmanuel Ibe Kachiukwu- State Minister Petroleum resources
Babatubde Fashola- Minister of Power, Works and Housing
Mustapha Shehuri- State minister Power, Works, and Housing
Audu Ogbeh- Minister of Agriculture and Rural development
Heineken Lokpobiri- State minister Agriculture and Rural Development
Chibuike Amaechi- Minister of Transportation
Hadi Sirika- State Minister Aviation
Isaac Folorunsho Adeoye- Minister of Health
Osagie Ehanire- State Minister Health
Aisha Alhassan- Minister of Women Affairs
Usani Uguru- Minister Niger Delta Affairs
Claudius Omoyele Daramola - State minister Niger Delta Affairs
Adebayo Shittu- Minister of Communication
Lai Mohammed- Minister of Information
Amina Mohammed - Minister of Environment
Ibrahim Jibrin- State Minister of Environment
Suleiman Adamu- Minister of Water Resources
Solomon Dalong- Minister of Youths and Sports
Kayode Fayemi- Minister of Solid Mineral
Abubakar Bwari- State Minister Solid Minerals
Ogbonnaya Onu- Minister of Science and Technology
LIB
Abubakar Malami- Minister of Justice
Geoffrey Onyeama- Minister of Foreign Affairs
Mohammed Dan Ali- Minister f Defence
Adamu Adamu- Minister of Education
Anthony Anwuka- State minister of Education
Kemi Adeosun- Minister of Finance
Okechukwu Enelemah- Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment
Aisha Abubakar- State minister Industry, Trade and Investment
Chris Ngige- Minister of Labor and Employment
James Ocholi- State Minister of Labor and Employment
Mohammed Bello- FCT Minister
Abdulrahman Dambazzau- Interior Minister
Udoma Udo Udoma- Minister of Budget and National Planning
Zainab Ahmed- State Minister Budget and National Planning
Emmanuel Ibe Kachiukwu- State Minister Petroleum resources
Babatubde Fashola- Minister of Power, Works and Housing
Mustapha Shehuri- State minister Power, Works, and Housing
Audu Ogbeh- Minister of Agriculture and Rural development
Heineken Lokpobiri- State minister Agriculture and Rural Development
Chibuike Amaechi- Minister of Transportation
Hadi Sirika- State Minister Aviation
Isaac Folorunsho Adeoye- Minister of Health
Osagie Ehanire- State Minister Health
Aisha Alhassan- Minister of Women Affairs
Usani Uguru- Minister Niger Delta Affairs
Claudius Omoyele Daramola - State minister Niger Delta Affairs
Adebayo Shittu- Minister of Communication
Lai Mohammed- Minister of Information
Amina Mohammed - Minister of Environment
Ibrahim Jibrin- State Minister of Environment
Suleiman Adamu- Minister of Water Resources
Solomon Dalong- Minister of Youths and Sports
Kayode Fayemi- Minister of Solid Mineral
Abubakar Bwari- State Minister Solid Minerals
Ogbonnaya Onu- Minister of Science and Technology
LIB
PDP apologises to Nigerians for its mistakes
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Tuesday apologised for mistakes it may have made during its 16 years rule in the country.
The Chairman of the PDP Reconciliation Committee, Mr Raymond Dokpesi, offered the apology at a news conference in Abuja ahead of the party’s National Conference slated for Thursday.
Dokpesi admitted that the party might not have met all the expectations of Nigerians while it was in power and said: ‘’on behalf of PDP, I tender our apologies’’.
He disclosed that the Deputy President of the Senate, Sen. Ike Ekweremadu’s report on the outcome of the general elections showed that factors that affected the party included abandonment of its laws and internal wrangling.
“We tender unreserved apology to Nigerians for the mistakes and to party members for abandoning the zoning principle of the party.
“We apologise to people whose toes were stepped upon.
“So far, whatever the PDP has done against anyone, we hereby tender an unreserved apology,” Dokpesi pleaded.
The committee chairman admitted that the party deviated from the dream of its founding fathers, adding that members operated without recourse to the rule of law.
He, however, gave an assurance that the party would do all it could to woo its founding fathers back to its fold.
“We are going to have Adamu Ciroma, Alex Ekwueme and some of the founding fathers who were hitherto alienated from the party at the conference to chart the way forward for the party.
“The party in 2010 and 2011 made the first fundamental mistake for not allowing the North to complete its term, but special recommendation were made to allow former President Goodluck Jonathan to complete it.
“The party came again, because they were not courageous enough to allow zoning and they supported the former president, and the party suffered defeat,” he said.
Dokpesi said that the era of allowing a clique to control the party was over, maintaining that the party would decide its future by allowing the people to own it, irrespective of status.
He said that the committee’s mandate was to restructure the PDP by allowing the youth to take ownership of the party in driving national growth.
He explained that sequel to the 2015 general elections, the party deemed it fit to have a conference that could help correct the error it made in the past in order to aid its return to power.
Dokpesi emphasised that for the party’s national conference to be meaningful, it must have youth representation comprising a male and a female from each local government area across the country.
According to him, youths whose age must not be more than 30 years, with a minimum of a degree or its equivalent, will take ownership of the party.
He said that the current ‘’change’’ as being championed by the All Progressives Congress (APC) was not enough to generate tension as being witnessed in the country, adding that what the ruling party needed was to chart a course for the country’s future.
According to him, what the country currently has under President Muhammadu Buhari does not have youth representation.
http://www.vanguardngr.com/2015/11/pdp-apologises-to-nigerians-for-its-mistakes/
The Chairman of the PDP Reconciliation Committee, Mr Raymond Dokpesi, offered the apology at a news conference in Abuja ahead of the party’s National Conference slated for Thursday.
Dokpesi admitted that the party might not have met all the expectations of Nigerians while it was in power and said: ‘’on behalf of PDP, I tender our apologies’’.
He disclosed that the Deputy President of the Senate, Sen. Ike Ekweremadu’s report on the outcome of the general elections showed that factors that affected the party included abandonment of its laws and internal wrangling.
“We tender unreserved apology to Nigerians for the mistakes and to party members for abandoning the zoning principle of the party.
“We apologise to people whose toes were stepped upon.
“So far, whatever the PDP has done against anyone, we hereby tender an unreserved apology,” Dokpesi pleaded.
The committee chairman admitted that the party deviated from the dream of its founding fathers, adding that members operated without recourse to the rule of law.
He, however, gave an assurance that the party would do all it could to woo its founding fathers back to its fold.
“We are going to have Adamu Ciroma, Alex Ekwueme and some of the founding fathers who were hitherto alienated from the party at the conference to chart the way forward for the party.
“The party in 2010 and 2011 made the first fundamental mistake for not allowing the North to complete its term, but special recommendation were made to allow former President Goodluck Jonathan to complete it.
“The party came again, because they were not courageous enough to allow zoning and they supported the former president, and the party suffered defeat,” he said.
Dokpesi said that the era of allowing a clique to control the party was over, maintaining that the party would decide its future by allowing the people to own it, irrespective of status.
He said that the committee’s mandate was to restructure the PDP by allowing the youth to take ownership of the party in driving national growth.
He explained that sequel to the 2015 general elections, the party deemed it fit to have a conference that could help correct the error it made in the past in order to aid its return to power.
Dokpesi emphasised that for the party’s national conference to be meaningful, it must have youth representation comprising a male and a female from each local government area across the country.
According to him, youths whose age must not be more than 30 years, with a minimum of a degree or its equivalent, will take ownership of the party.
He said that the current ‘’change’’ as being championed by the All Progressives Congress (APC) was not enough to generate tension as being witnessed in the country, adding that what the ruling party needed was to chart a course for the country’s future.
According to him, what the country currently has under President Muhammadu Buhari does not have youth representation.
http://www.vanguardngr.com/2015/11/pdp-apologises-to-nigerians-for-its-mistakes/
Saraki: House receives petitions against CCT chairman, Umar
If you must come to equity it must be done with clean hands. Reverse is the case as the embattled chairman of the Code of Conduct Tribunal, CCT, Mr. Danladi Umar, came under more pressure, yesterday, when the House of Representatives received two different petitions, alleging impropriety and abuse of office in the discharge of his duties.
Danladi-Umar
Danladi-Umar
While one petition is requesting the House to investigate alleged acts of impropriety purportedly committed by Umar, another is requesting the House to investigate the office of the Attorney General of the Federation for its failure to act on investigations allegedly conducted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC which purportedly indicted Umar of corruption.
The two petitions were presented on the floor of the House by the chairman of the House Committee on Army, Rep. Rima Kwewum, PDP, Taraba State on behalf of the authors, Anti-Corruption Network.
In the first petition signed by Ajufo I. Ajufo, the executive secretary of the group, Umar is alleged by the group to have vitiated the due process mechanism in the discharge of his duties especially in the award of contracts.
He was accused of, among others, to have misused public funds by allowing to be paid to him, the sum of N1 million vide payment voucher CCT/ABJ/DC/206/11 on July 14, 2011 to organise his own wedding.
He is also alleged to have approved the payment of N4.2 million to Chinox Global Investment Limited for the “replacement of external security light bulbs.”
“Not only is this monstrous amount a gross inflation of what may have been needed to replace light bulbs in the premises, it is an entirely fictitious contract. No replacement of external security lights were carried out,” the group alleged.
A separate petition to the House alleged negligence on the part of the Office of the Attorney General in prosecuting Umar as recommended by the EFCC.
The group alleged that the erstwhile EFCC chairman, Ibrahim Lamorde, on June 24, 2014, submitted the report of an investigation to the office of the AG with Ref. No.: EFCC/EC/ JUS/07/117.
“That report was about evidence against Umar. The AG then instructed the EFCC chairman by minuting on the same letter to “ proceed to prosecute the suspects.” The letter from Lamorde was communicated in writing to the EFCC chairman vide letter ref HAGF/EFCC/2014/vol.1/19 dated 26 June 2014.
Alleging bias on the part of the Office of the Attorney General in passing over Umar and prosecuting only his personal assistant, the petitioners said: “This is in clear breach of the order of the AG. Since then, the office of the Attorney General has been silent on this failure to prosecute as directed.
“We believe this neglect is deliberate. This has led us to believe there is a cover-up in this matter. When the Nigerian public becomes aware of this fact, they would be very much interested to know the reason for this cover up,” the group said.
http://www.vanguardngr.com/2015/11/saraki-house-receives-petitions-against-cct-chairman-umar/
Danladi-Umar
Danladi-Umar
While one petition is requesting the House to investigate alleged acts of impropriety purportedly committed by Umar, another is requesting the House to investigate the office of the Attorney General of the Federation for its failure to act on investigations allegedly conducted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC which purportedly indicted Umar of corruption.
The two petitions were presented on the floor of the House by the chairman of the House Committee on Army, Rep. Rima Kwewum, PDP, Taraba State on behalf of the authors, Anti-Corruption Network.
In the first petition signed by Ajufo I. Ajufo, the executive secretary of the group, Umar is alleged by the group to have vitiated the due process mechanism in the discharge of his duties especially in the award of contracts.
He was accused of, among others, to have misused public funds by allowing to be paid to him, the sum of N1 million vide payment voucher CCT/ABJ/DC/206/11 on July 14, 2011 to organise his own wedding.
He is also alleged to have approved the payment of N4.2 million to Chinox Global Investment Limited for the “replacement of external security light bulbs.”
“Not only is this monstrous amount a gross inflation of what may have been needed to replace light bulbs in the premises, it is an entirely fictitious contract. No replacement of external security lights were carried out,” the group alleged.
A separate petition to the House alleged negligence on the part of the Office of the Attorney General in prosecuting Umar as recommended by the EFCC.
The group alleged that the erstwhile EFCC chairman, Ibrahim Lamorde, on June 24, 2014, submitted the report of an investigation to the office of the AG with Ref. No.: EFCC/EC/ JUS/07/117.
“That report was about evidence against Umar. The AG then instructed the EFCC chairman by minuting on the same letter to “ proceed to prosecute the suspects.” The letter from Lamorde was communicated in writing to the EFCC chairman vide letter ref HAGF/EFCC/2014/vol.1/19 dated 26 June 2014.
Alleging bias on the part of the Office of the Attorney General in passing over Umar and prosecuting only his personal assistant, the petitioners said: “This is in clear breach of the order of the AG. Since then, the office of the Attorney General has been silent on this failure to prosecute as directed.
“We believe this neglect is deliberate. This has led us to believe there is a cover-up in this matter. When the Nigerian public becomes aware of this fact, they would be very much interested to know the reason for this cover up,” the group said.
http://www.vanguardngr.com/2015/11/saraki-house-receives-petitions-against-cct-chairman-umar/
Graphic Pictures: Warning!!! Another shocker as someone leaked Rapper Ice T daughter's picture showing all
According to MTO, The latest INTERNET SCANDAL burning up social media has to do with rapper ICE-T and his daughter Tesha. Someone leaked what are supposed NEKKID PICS of the young lady onto the web. While we are not able to VERIFY the images . . . it does LOOK LIKE HER.
BTW - his daughter is not a YOUNGSTER . . . she's 38 years old. Grown enough to take whatever pics she wants.
Here is her face and breasts
http://www.fameolous.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/G1.jpg
Here is her BOX
http://www.fameolous.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/G5.jpg
Here is her BREASTS again
http://www.fameolous.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/G6.jpg
Here are MORE BREAST PICS
http://www.fameolous.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/G3.jpg
Here is her playing with herself
http://www.fameolous.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/G4.jpg
Tesha is host of #THESTREETSIZTALKING 2 on BE100 radio. She is also an actor, like her father. She has a 20-year-old son, Elyjah, who was arrested last year on involuntary manslaughter charges after the death of his roommate in Marietta, Ga.
MediaTakeOut
BTW - his daughter is not a YOUNGSTER . . . she's 38 years old. Grown enough to take whatever pics she wants.
Here is her face and breasts
http://www.fameolous.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/G1.jpg
Here is her BOX
http://www.fameolous.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/G5.jpg
Here is her BREASTS again
http://www.fameolous.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/G6.jpg
Here are MORE BREAST PICS
http://www.fameolous.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/G3.jpg
Here is her playing with herself
http://www.fameolous.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/G4.jpg
Tesha is host of #THESTREETSIZTALKING 2 on BE100 radio. She is also an actor, like her father. She has a 20-year-old son, Elyjah, who was arrested last year on involuntary manslaughter charges after the death of his roommate in Marietta, Ga.
MediaTakeOut
Buhari fires 16 permsecs , opts for 25 ministries
By Soni Daniel, Clifford Ndujihe, Favour Nnabugwu & Levinus Nwabughiogu
ABUJA — THE shape of the federal civil service, engine room of government, appeared in greater clarity, yesterday, as President Muhammadu Buhari fired 16 permanent secretaries, appointed 18 new ones and deployed a total of 36 permanent secretaries.
If the deployments are anything to go by, the President might work with 25 ministries, seven less than the 32 that his predecessor, Dr Goodluck Jonathan operated, as 25 of the 36 permanent secretaries were deployed to ministries, while 11 were deployed to various offices in The Presidency, Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (OHCSF), and Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF).
Buhari
Buhari
Ministries that may have been scrapped or merged with others include Aviation, Lands and Urban Development, Trade and Investment, Police Affairs, Youth Development, Interior, Tourism and Communication Technology.
18 new perm secs
Those appointed included Mrs. Ayotunde Adesugba, Alhaji Mahmoud Isa-Dutse, Mr. Taiwo Abidogun, Dr. Bukar Hassan, Mrs. Wakama Belema Asifieka, Mr. Jalal Ahmad Arabi, Mr. Sabiu Zakari, Mrs. Obiageli Phyllis Nwokedi, Mr. Aminu Nabegu and Mr. Bamgbose Olukunle Oladele.
Others are Mr. Alo Williams Nwankwo, Dr. Shehu Ahmed, Mr. Ogbonnaya Innocent Kalu, Mrs. Nuratu Jimoh Batagarawa, Mr. Christian Chinyeaka Ohaa, Mr. Bassey Akpanyung, Mr. Louis Edozien and Dr. Ugo Roy.
In the same vein, the President also approved the deployment of the Permanent Secretaries as follows: Dr. Shehu Ahmad (Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development); Arch. Sunday Echono (Federal Ministry of Communications); Alhaji Sabiu Zakari (Federal Ministry of Transportation); Mrs. Ayotunde Adesugba (Federal Ministry of Information & Culture); Amb. Danjuma Sheni (Federal Ministry of Defence); Dr. Shade Yemi-Esan(Federal Ministry of Education) and Mrs. Fatima Mede( Budget & National Planning).
Also deployed to various ministries were Alhaji Mahmoud Isa Dutse (Federal Ministry of Finance); Amb. Bulus Lolo Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs); Dr. Amina Shamaki ( Federal Ministry of Health); Mr. Aliyu Bisalla (Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade & Investment); Mr. Bassey Akpanyung (Federal Ministry of Internal Affairs); Mr. Taiwo Abidogun (Federal Ministry of Justice); Dr. Habiba Lawal( Federal Ministry of Science & Technology); Dr. Clement Illoh (Fed. Min. of Labour & Productivity); Dr. Jamila Shu’ara (Federal Ministry of Petroleum Resources); Mrs. Binta Bello (Fed. Min of Women Affairs); Dr. Babatope Ajakaiye (Federal Capital Territory); Mrs. Rabi Jimeta (Federal Ministry of Water Resources) and Dr. Bukar Hassan (Fed. Min of Environment).
Others were (Mrs. Wakama B. Asifieka (Federal Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs); Mr. Istifanus Fuktur
(Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals); Mr. Christian Ohaa (Federal Ministry of Youth & Sports); Engr. A.G. Magaji (Federal Ministry of Works & Housing); Mr. Louis Edozien (Federal Ministry of Power).
Those deployed to other offices included Mr. Jalal Arabi (State House); Mr. Mohammed Bukar (General Services Office, Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF); Mr. Abbas Mohammed (Ecological Fund Office, OSGF); Dr. Ugo Roy (Council Secretariat); Mr. Aminu Nabegu (Special Services Office, OSGF); Amb. Bamgbose Akindele (Political Affairs Office, OSGF); Mr. Alo Williams Nwankwo (Economic Affairs Office, OSGF); Mrs. Obiageli Nwokedi (Special Duties Office, OSGF); Mr. Innocent Ogbonnaya (Career Management Office, Office of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation, OHCSF); Mr. S.K.Y. Adelakun (Common Services Office, OHCSF); Mrs. N. Batagarawa (Service Policy & Strategies Office, OHCSF”
A statement by presidential spokesman, Mr. Femi Adesina stated that the new appointments and deployments took immediate effect from November 10, 2015.
By this development, about 16 of the permanent secretaries have been sacked.
One of those affected is Mr. Linus Awute, the erstwhile Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health.
It will be recalled that some of the old permanent secretaries led by the new Acting Head of Civil Service of the federation, Mrs. Winifred Ekanem Oyo-Ita, held a closed door with the President earlier yesterday. At the meeting, it was gathered that the President intimated them of the sack gale.
Mrs Winifred Oyo-Ita in a statement, yesterday, confirmed that President Buhari during a meeting held with all permanent secretaries at the Presidential Villa in Abuja Tuesday, directed 16 permanent secretaries to proceed on retirement. Oyo-Ita said that while thanking the 16 perm secs for their meritorious service to the country, the President explained that the retirement, appointments and deployment of the Perm Secs were necessary to reposition the civil service.
Why Buhari removed permanent secretaries
The shape of government that will drive the change agenda of the present administration is to be unfolded by President Muhammadu Buhari as he inaugurates his cabinet today.
The President may formally announce a drastic reduction in the number of ministries, thus paving the way for an austere regime, which would not allow waste and leakages to thrive.
Vanguard learned that ahead of unfolding the new structure today, President Buhari made it clear to the permanent secretaries that his administration did not need more than half of the existing ministries. According to the source, all permanent secretaries who had put in more than four years were dropped.
Similarly, those known to have questionable records of service were also not spared the sweeping changes effected just after a valedictory meeting the permanent secretaries had with Buhari yesterday at the State House.
The slash in the number of permanent secretaries is in line with the recommendations of the Ahmed Joda Transition Committee Report, which recommended that the Buhari administration should reduce the number of ministries and adopt cost-saving measures to revive the Nigerian economy. The Joda Committee had recommended that existing ministries should be pruned to only 19 while some Ministries, Departments and agencies, MDAs, not covered by law in Nigeria, should be scrapped.
http://www.vanguardngr.com/2015/11/buhari-fires-16-permsecs-opts-for-25-ministries/
ABUJA — THE shape of the federal civil service, engine room of government, appeared in greater clarity, yesterday, as President Muhammadu Buhari fired 16 permanent secretaries, appointed 18 new ones and deployed a total of 36 permanent secretaries.
If the deployments are anything to go by, the President might work with 25 ministries, seven less than the 32 that his predecessor, Dr Goodluck Jonathan operated, as 25 of the 36 permanent secretaries were deployed to ministries, while 11 were deployed to various offices in The Presidency, Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (OHCSF), and Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF).
Buhari
Buhari
Ministries that may have been scrapped or merged with others include Aviation, Lands and Urban Development, Trade and Investment, Police Affairs, Youth Development, Interior, Tourism and Communication Technology.
18 new perm secs
Those appointed included Mrs. Ayotunde Adesugba, Alhaji Mahmoud Isa-Dutse, Mr. Taiwo Abidogun, Dr. Bukar Hassan, Mrs. Wakama Belema Asifieka, Mr. Jalal Ahmad Arabi, Mr. Sabiu Zakari, Mrs. Obiageli Phyllis Nwokedi, Mr. Aminu Nabegu and Mr. Bamgbose Olukunle Oladele.
Others are Mr. Alo Williams Nwankwo, Dr. Shehu Ahmed, Mr. Ogbonnaya Innocent Kalu, Mrs. Nuratu Jimoh Batagarawa, Mr. Christian Chinyeaka Ohaa, Mr. Bassey Akpanyung, Mr. Louis Edozien and Dr. Ugo Roy.
In the same vein, the President also approved the deployment of the Permanent Secretaries as follows: Dr. Shehu Ahmad (Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development); Arch. Sunday Echono (Federal Ministry of Communications); Alhaji Sabiu Zakari (Federal Ministry of Transportation); Mrs. Ayotunde Adesugba (Federal Ministry of Information & Culture); Amb. Danjuma Sheni (Federal Ministry of Defence); Dr. Shade Yemi-Esan(Federal Ministry of Education) and Mrs. Fatima Mede( Budget & National Planning).
Also deployed to various ministries were Alhaji Mahmoud Isa Dutse (Federal Ministry of Finance); Amb. Bulus Lolo Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs); Dr. Amina Shamaki ( Federal Ministry of Health); Mr. Aliyu Bisalla (Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade & Investment); Mr. Bassey Akpanyung (Federal Ministry of Internal Affairs); Mr. Taiwo Abidogun (Federal Ministry of Justice); Dr. Habiba Lawal( Federal Ministry of Science & Technology); Dr. Clement Illoh (Fed. Min. of Labour & Productivity); Dr. Jamila Shu’ara (Federal Ministry of Petroleum Resources); Mrs. Binta Bello (Fed. Min of Women Affairs); Dr. Babatope Ajakaiye (Federal Capital Territory); Mrs. Rabi Jimeta (Federal Ministry of Water Resources) and Dr. Bukar Hassan (Fed. Min of Environment).
Others were (Mrs. Wakama B. Asifieka (Federal Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs); Mr. Istifanus Fuktur
(Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals); Mr. Christian Ohaa (Federal Ministry of Youth & Sports); Engr. A.G. Magaji (Federal Ministry of Works & Housing); Mr. Louis Edozien (Federal Ministry of Power).
Those deployed to other offices included Mr. Jalal Arabi (State House); Mr. Mohammed Bukar (General Services Office, Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF); Mr. Abbas Mohammed (Ecological Fund Office, OSGF); Dr. Ugo Roy (Council Secretariat); Mr. Aminu Nabegu (Special Services Office, OSGF); Amb. Bamgbose Akindele (Political Affairs Office, OSGF); Mr. Alo Williams Nwankwo (Economic Affairs Office, OSGF); Mrs. Obiageli Nwokedi (Special Duties Office, OSGF); Mr. Innocent Ogbonnaya (Career Management Office, Office of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation, OHCSF); Mr. S.K.Y. Adelakun (Common Services Office, OHCSF); Mrs. N. Batagarawa (Service Policy & Strategies Office, OHCSF”
A statement by presidential spokesman, Mr. Femi Adesina stated that the new appointments and deployments took immediate effect from November 10, 2015.
By this development, about 16 of the permanent secretaries have been sacked.
One of those affected is Mr. Linus Awute, the erstwhile Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health.
It will be recalled that some of the old permanent secretaries led by the new Acting Head of Civil Service of the federation, Mrs. Winifred Ekanem Oyo-Ita, held a closed door with the President earlier yesterday. At the meeting, it was gathered that the President intimated them of the sack gale.
Mrs Winifred Oyo-Ita in a statement, yesterday, confirmed that President Buhari during a meeting held with all permanent secretaries at the Presidential Villa in Abuja Tuesday, directed 16 permanent secretaries to proceed on retirement. Oyo-Ita said that while thanking the 16 perm secs for their meritorious service to the country, the President explained that the retirement, appointments and deployment of the Perm Secs were necessary to reposition the civil service.
Why Buhari removed permanent secretaries
The shape of government that will drive the change agenda of the present administration is to be unfolded by President Muhammadu Buhari as he inaugurates his cabinet today.
The President may formally announce a drastic reduction in the number of ministries, thus paving the way for an austere regime, which would not allow waste and leakages to thrive.
Vanguard learned that ahead of unfolding the new structure today, President Buhari made it clear to the permanent secretaries that his administration did not need more than half of the existing ministries. According to the source, all permanent secretaries who had put in more than four years were dropped.
Similarly, those known to have questionable records of service were also not spared the sweeping changes effected just after a valedictory meeting the permanent secretaries had with Buhari yesterday at the State House.
The slash in the number of permanent secretaries is in line with the recommendations of the Ahmed Joda Transition Committee Report, which recommended that the Buhari administration should reduce the number of ministries and adopt cost-saving measures to revive the Nigerian economy. The Joda Committee had recommended that existing ministries should be pruned to only 19 while some Ministries, Departments and agencies, MDAs, not covered by law in Nigeria, should be scrapped.
http://www.vanguardngr.com/2015/11/buhari-fires-16-permsecs-opts-for-25-ministries/
Kashamu got a relief as court rejects NDLEA's application
A JUDGE of the Federal High Court, Lagos yesterday dismissed the application filed by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), praying him to hands off the case involving Senator Buruji Kashamu.
NDLEA had asked the judge to withdraw from the case on the ground that he might not reach a different conclusion in the fresh case having ruled in Kashamu’s favour once.
According to NDLEA, the case file should be returned to the Chief Judge, Justice Ibrahim Auta, for reassignment to another judge.
The embattled senator had sued the anti-narcotic agency, praying the court to restrain the Federal Government from seizing his property over drug trafficking allegations.
He sought an order of perpetual injunction restraining NDLEA and the Attorney General of the Federation from taking possession of his property.
Justice Ibrahim Buba had earlier restrained the NDLEA from arresting or extraditing Kashamu to the United States of America, where he is allegedly wanted before Kashamu filed to restrain the government from seizing his properties.
NDLEA asked the judge to disqualify himself from the trial. It said since Justice Buba, on June 23, reaffirmed a May 27 order by Justice Okon Abang of the same court stopping Kashamu’s arrest, he might not be fair in the case.
The agency claimed the injunction amounted to preventing federal agencies from discharging their constitutional duties.
Refusing the application yesterday, Justice Buba said he would not shy away from deciding a case merely because of an unsubstantiated accusation of bias. He dismissed the application for lacking in merit.
“This application is part of the game of hide and seek between the parties before me who have been in and out of court. Some of the matters are on appeal.
“The applicant failed woefully to point at any decision this court reached or point of law that it reached and is likely to reach in another one”, he ruled.
The judge said if any party is dissatisfied with any judgment, the right thing to do was to appeal, and not to accuse a judge of bias.
Guardian
NDLEA had asked the judge to withdraw from the case on the ground that he might not reach a different conclusion in the fresh case having ruled in Kashamu’s favour once.
According to NDLEA, the case file should be returned to the Chief Judge, Justice Ibrahim Auta, for reassignment to another judge.
The embattled senator had sued the anti-narcotic agency, praying the court to restrain the Federal Government from seizing his property over drug trafficking allegations.
He sought an order of perpetual injunction restraining NDLEA and the Attorney General of the Federation from taking possession of his property.
Justice Ibrahim Buba had earlier restrained the NDLEA from arresting or extraditing Kashamu to the United States of America, where he is allegedly wanted before Kashamu filed to restrain the government from seizing his properties.
NDLEA asked the judge to disqualify himself from the trial. It said since Justice Buba, on June 23, reaffirmed a May 27 order by Justice Okon Abang of the same court stopping Kashamu’s arrest, he might not be fair in the case.
The agency claimed the injunction amounted to preventing federal agencies from discharging their constitutional duties.
Refusing the application yesterday, Justice Buba said he would not shy away from deciding a case merely because of an unsubstantiated accusation of bias. He dismissed the application for lacking in merit.
“This application is part of the game of hide and seek between the parties before me who have been in and out of court. Some of the matters are on appeal.
“The applicant failed woefully to point at any decision this court reached or point of law that it reached and is likely to reach in another one”, he ruled.
The judge said if any party is dissatisfied with any judgment, the right thing to do was to appeal, and not to accuse a judge of bias.
Guardian
Tuesday 10 November 2015
Could this be a taboo as dethroned Oba Adepoju appears in Akure
Five years after his dethronement as the Deji of Akure by the Ondo
state government, Adesina Adepoju has appeared publicly in the
town.
The public appearance of Adepoju, which was at the instance of a case
he instituted against the new Deji of Akure and the state government
at a state High Court sitting in Akure witnessed encomiums by
residents of the ancient town, especially members of Osupa ruling
house, where he hails from.
The deposed monarch had instituted a case challenging his dethronement
by the state government and the installation of Oba Ogunlade
Aladetoyinbo as the Deji of Akure.
Adepoju claimed that he was wrongly deposed as the Deji of Akure by
the state government and sought for an order of the court declaring
him as the Deji of Akure.
Adepoju was dethroned on June 10, 2010 for allegedly assaulting one of
his wives, Late Mrs Bolanle Adepoju in the public and consequently
banished to a location within the state before he left the country for
the United States of America.
However, his removal paved way for the installation of late Oba
Adebiyi Adesida in 2010 as the 46th Deji of Akure and his daughter
was installed the Regent of the city after his death.
Counsel to the deposed monarch, Mr Olalekan Ojo told the court that
the monarch has the right to the throne and wondered why a new monarch
was installed.
The Chief Judge of the state, Justice Olaseinde Kumuyi who presided
over the court adjourned further hearing on the matter till 8th
December, 2015.
However, there was apprehension in Akure that the deposed
Deji of Akure; Adepoju was quizzed by detectives from the state Police
command, Akure after leaving the court.
Adepoju who left the court in a convoy danced from the court to his
family compound located at Odo Ijoka Street, Akure where he addressed
his loyalists who were mainly members of his family.
But the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) for the state Police
command, Mr Femi Joseph denied the rumoured arrest of the deposed
monarch, saying “the man has not committed any offence to warrant his
arrest by the Police.”
He said the presence of Police officers on the street, especially
around the residence of the deposed monarch was to ensure security of
lives and property, adding that “the Police have the right to prevent
hoodlums from high jacking the situation to perpetrate dastardly act.”
https://mobile.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=10208120524558903&id=1474167773
state government, Adesina Adepoju has appeared publicly in the
town.
The public appearance of Adepoju, which was at the instance of a case
he instituted against the new Deji of Akure and the state government
at a state High Court sitting in Akure witnessed encomiums by
residents of the ancient town, especially members of Osupa ruling
house, where he hails from.
The deposed monarch had instituted a case challenging his dethronement
by the state government and the installation of Oba Ogunlade
Aladetoyinbo as the Deji of Akure.
Adepoju claimed that he was wrongly deposed as the Deji of Akure by
the state government and sought for an order of the court declaring
him as the Deji of Akure.
Adepoju was dethroned on June 10, 2010 for allegedly assaulting one of
his wives, Late Mrs Bolanle Adepoju in the public and consequently
banished to a location within the state before he left the country for
the United States of America.
However, his removal paved way for the installation of late Oba
Adebiyi Adesida in 2010 as the 46th Deji of Akure and his daughter
was installed the Regent of the city after his death.
Counsel to the deposed monarch, Mr Olalekan Ojo told the court that
the monarch has the right to the throne and wondered why a new monarch
was installed.
The Chief Judge of the state, Justice Olaseinde Kumuyi who presided
over the court adjourned further hearing on the matter till 8th
December, 2015.
However, there was apprehension in Akure that the deposed
Deji of Akure; Adepoju was quizzed by detectives from the state Police
command, Akure after leaving the court.
Adepoju who left the court in a convoy danced from the court to his
family compound located at Odo Ijoka Street, Akure where he addressed
his loyalists who were mainly members of his family.
But the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) for the state Police
command, Mr Femi Joseph denied the rumoured arrest of the deposed
monarch, saying “the man has not committed any offence to warrant his
arrest by the Police.”
He said the presence of Police officers on the street, especially
around the residence of the deposed monarch was to ensure security of
lives and property, adding that “the Police have the right to prevent
hoodlums from high jacking the situation to perpetrate dastardly act.”
https://mobile.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=10208120524558903&id=1474167773
Man Kills Step Daughter Just To Have Sex With Her Dead Body And Film It
Officially one of the most horrifying reports I have this month and I have heard my fair share, this is just unbelievable wrong in every human and inhuman way. Why would you kill a person just to ‘have sex with their corpse and film it’? It’s even a disgusting thought. Can’t begin to find the word to qualify the nastiness. And the judge and jury presiding on this case would have to share in the insane nastiness by watching this video before Gregory can be sentenced.
Prosecutors report that Gregory R Graf shot his step daughter Jessica Padgett with the sole intent of filming himself while having sex with her dead body and now the jurors, all seventy of them, have to partake in watching the video before they can carry out a sentence on the man. The juries naturally all refused. They all walked out of the courtroom.
The incident which happened last year begins trial this November. The trial will start on Tuesday and last more than a week.
Gregory, fifty-three-year-old, told officers when he was being charged with murder that he had harbored a sexual desire for his step daughter and had wanted to sleep with her for a long time and finally had the chance to do so after she was dead.
The thirty-three-year-old woman met her unfortunate demise with a gunshot in the back of the head on November 21st last year and at the hand of her step-father who hid her body on his property while friends and family searched everywhere for her.
http://www.360nobs.com/2015/11/man-kills-step-daughter-just-sex-dead-body-film/
Prosecutors report that Gregory R Graf shot his step daughter Jessica Padgett with the sole intent of filming himself while having sex with her dead body and now the jurors, all seventy of them, have to partake in watching the video before they can carry out a sentence on the man. The juries naturally all refused. They all walked out of the courtroom.
The incident which happened last year begins trial this November. The trial will start on Tuesday and last more than a week.
Gregory, fifty-three-year-old, told officers when he was being charged with murder that he had harbored a sexual desire for his step daughter and had wanted to sleep with her for a long time and finally had the chance to do so after she was dead.
The thirty-three-year-old woman met her unfortunate demise with a gunshot in the back of the head on November 21st last year and at the hand of her step-father who hid her body on his property while friends and family searched everywhere for her.
http://www.360nobs.com/2015/11/man-kills-step-daughter-just-sex-dead-body-film/
It's getting interesting: Vote Rumba Video' by Train
VOTE 'TRAIN - RUMBA' on
http://topnaijamusicawards.com/vote/bestmusicvideo/
for BEST MUSIC VIDEO.! Pls peeps, help muv d TRAIN forward...🙌
Now peeps, ds hw it works- after u clik on vote,do please wait to see dt it processes nd den goes to anoda page whr it says 'Thank u for Voting'
VOTING is DAILY.!
http://topnaijamusicawards.com/vote/bestmusicvideo/
for BEST MUSIC VIDEO.! Pls peeps, help muv d TRAIN forward...🙌
Now peeps, ds hw it works- after u clik on vote,do please wait to see dt it processes nd den goes to anoda page whr it says 'Thank u for Voting'
VOTING is DAILY.!
50cent fires back when his Ex-girlfriend Vivian Foxx called him gay on National TV
Actress Vivica Fox just made a very COSTLY MISTAKE . . . she went on Andy Cohen's Watch What's Happening Live . . . and called rapper 50 Cent gay. First, it looked like she was being BITTER AND PETTY, and second . . . it got 50 upset.
Now he's ROASTING HER on social media . . .
Vivica may get the last laugh. She's booked to play Cookie's sister on Empire, and we know how much 50 Cent can't stand that show. We're sure the Empire team will throw in a few pointed zingers, just so Vivica can get her word in . . . in front of 16 million viewers on Wednesday nights!
Read more through this link
Now he's ROASTING HER on social media . . .
Vivica may get the last laugh. She's booked to play Cookie's sister on Empire, and we know how much 50 Cent can't stand that show. We're sure the Empire team will throw in a few pointed zingers, just so Vivica can get her word in . . . in front of 16 million viewers on Wednesday nights!
Read more through this link
Man caught his baby's mama with another man beats her mercilessly
A BRUTAL video is taking the Caribbean island of Trinidad BY STORM. It shows a man BEATING his baby's mother - when he catches her on a date with another man. The video was shot last week . . . and the man FINALLY turned himself into authorities yesterday.
He faces charges of domestic assault and assault with a deadly weapon.
Click the link below to watch the video
https://m.facebook.com/mediatakeout/videos/1143366035695342/?__tn__=%2As
He faces charges of domestic assault and assault with a deadly weapon.
Click the link below to watch the video
https://m.facebook.com/mediatakeout/videos/1143366035695342/?__tn__=%2As
C’ttee of generals to probe role of Army in Ekiti, Osun, Rivers, A-Ibom elections
By Luka Binniyat/Faith Bature
KADUNA – The Chief of Army Staff, COAS, Gen. Tukur Buratai, has constituted a five-man board of generals to investigate alleged partisanship of members of the Nigeria Army during the 2015 general election.
General Officer Commanding, GOC, 1 Division of the Nigeria Army, Maj. Gen. Adeniyi Oyebade, said he was made the Chairman of the board by Gen Buratai.
Other members of the board are Brig. Gen. Sunday Araoye, Brig. Gen. Emmanuel Kabuk, Brig. Gen. Baba Ibrahim and Col. Danladi Salihu who will serve as its secretary.
Addressing newsmen in Kaduna, yesterday, Gen Oyebade said: “There are allegations made by the general public on the gubernatorial elections conducted in some states such as Ekiti, Osun, Rivers and Akwa Ibom among others.
“These allegations are weighty and Chief of Army Staff, Gen. Buratai is determined to get to the root of the matter. The COAS insists on maintaining a professionally responsive Nigerian Army determined on discharging its constitutional roles, and as such instituted this Board of Inquiry.
“The panel is to investigate these allegations and recommend appropriate measures to prevent a re-occurrence in the future. The military as a noble profession must remain apolitical in our democratic dispensation.
Read more by clicking this link below
http://www.vanguardngr.com/2015/11/cttee-of-generals-to-probe-role-of-army-in-ekiti-osun-rivers-a-ibom-elections/
KADUNA – The Chief of Army Staff, COAS, Gen. Tukur Buratai, has constituted a five-man board of generals to investigate alleged partisanship of members of the Nigeria Army during the 2015 general election.
General Officer Commanding, GOC, 1 Division of the Nigeria Army, Maj. Gen. Adeniyi Oyebade, said he was made the Chairman of the board by Gen Buratai.
Other members of the board are Brig. Gen. Sunday Araoye, Brig. Gen. Emmanuel Kabuk, Brig. Gen. Baba Ibrahim and Col. Danladi Salihu who will serve as its secretary.
Addressing newsmen in Kaduna, yesterday, Gen Oyebade said: “There are allegations made by the general public on the gubernatorial elections conducted in some states such as Ekiti, Osun, Rivers and Akwa Ibom among others.
“These allegations are weighty and Chief of Army Staff, Gen. Buratai is determined to get to the root of the matter. The COAS insists on maintaining a professionally responsive Nigerian Army determined on discharging its constitutional roles, and as such instituted this Board of Inquiry.
“The panel is to investigate these allegations and recommend appropriate measures to prevent a re-occurrence in the future. The military as a noble profession must remain apolitical in our democratic dispensation.
Read more by clicking this link below
http://www.vanguardngr.com/2015/11/cttee-of-generals-to-probe-role-of-army-in-ekiti-osun-rivers-a-ibom-elections/
Saraki: CCT Chairman Danladi Umar's Dirty Laundry Aired in Public
Chairman of the Code of Conduct Tribunal, Mr. Danladi Umar, had been recommended for probe and removal over allegations of corruption.
Former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister for Justice, Mohammed Adoke, SAN while in office had recommended him to the EFCC for prosecution over alleged collection of bribe.
The justice minister's recommendation was based on the report of the EFCC into allegation by a retired Comptroller of Customs, Mr Rasheed Taiwo, that Umar demanded N10 million bribe from him to help him quash the case against him.
Apart from recommending Umar's prosecution, the then AGF in a letter to former President Goodluck Jonathan in 2014 also advised the president to initiate moves to remove Umar from office as chairman of the Code of Conduct Tribunal because of the allegation of corruption against him.
"I am of the humble opinion that the current state of affairs by which the tribunal is unable to seat while the institution is increasingly diminished by the pall of suspicion, should not be allowed to fester as it will expose the institution to public ridicule and undermine this administration's efforts to combat corruption," Adoke had said.
"In the light of the foregoing therefore, Your Excellency may wish to initiate the necessary steps for the removal of the chairman." he added.
ThisDay
Former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister for Justice, Mohammed Adoke, SAN while in office had recommended him to the EFCC for prosecution over alleged collection of bribe.
The justice minister's recommendation was based on the report of the EFCC into allegation by a retired Comptroller of Customs, Mr Rasheed Taiwo, that Umar demanded N10 million bribe from him to help him quash the case against him.
Apart from recommending Umar's prosecution, the then AGF in a letter to former President Goodluck Jonathan in 2014 also advised the president to initiate moves to remove Umar from office as chairman of the Code of Conduct Tribunal because of the allegation of corruption against him.
"I am of the humble opinion that the current state of affairs by which the tribunal is unable to seat while the institution is increasingly diminished by the pall of suspicion, should not be allowed to fester as it will expose the institution to public ridicule and undermine this administration's efforts to combat corruption," Adoke had said.
"In the light of the foregoing therefore, Your Excellency may wish to initiate the necessary steps for the removal of the chairman." he added.
ThisDay
The greatest surprise about Nigeria at 100
A GIANT was born in 1914, an African giant. The same year European powers set about each other in the trenches a framework was laid out for a nation that over the next century would grow into Africa’s mightiest economy, one with a population so prodigious it will soon overtake every other barring China and India.
The founding on January 1, that year of the colony of Nigeria was an act of extreme imperial chutzpah. Desert emirates in the north and coastal kingdoms in the south had for years been under nominal control as British protectorates, but for London to unite such diversity was to believe a mosaic has no cracks. The story of Nigeria, first under Britain, later as an African nation independent since 1960, has largely been the story of those cracks.
Any attempt at a history risks being grimly repetitive. The Nigerian cycle of political crisis, economic mismanagement and civil strife might appear relentless. To the outsider, Biafra and Boko Haram, Abacha and Abiola, coup and corruption can merge into one. So Richard Bourne is to be congratulated for avoiding such sameness in his ‘new history.’ By focusing on the streams that have shaped the nation, he captures one that is multi-dimensional in its fault lines, tantalising in its possibilities yet exasperating in its performance.
He lays out how traders drove Britain’s interest in Nigeria, one begun by the Scottish explorer Mungo Park’s 18th-century charting of the Niger river. It did not end well for Park, who would drown in the river — an omen perhaps for Britain’s relationship with the delta and its vast hinterland.
Just as in India, Bourne shows how in West Africa it was commerce that came first, with colonialism only being retro-fitted. Instead of Robert Clive’s profiteering East India Company, we have palm-oil monopolists fixing prices, the Royal Niger Company and colonial officers gerry-mandering elections. So diverse were local chieftaincies, fiefdoms and monarchies that it took the wife of a British governor-general to name the ensemble. In an 1897 letter Flora Shaw suggested one drawn from the mighty river — Nigeria.
The colonial period 1914–1960 is not given soft treatment. While Nigerian businessmen prospered more than Africans in most racially charged parts of the continent, Bourne argues that a significant failure of British administration created in part the conditions for Nigeria’s modern malaise.
Having set up such a massive country, the colonialists were at fault for not dealing with the north-south divide, one separating a relatively wealthy, nominally Christian south, from a poorer, more conservative, Muslim north. Bourne describes colonialism’s expedient acceptance of the north’s less attractive features – de facto slavery – in exchange for local emirs willing to bend to British control. All over Africa the same mistake would be made by outsiders: instability bad, stability good, even if takes a ghastly local dictator to provide it. So when independence came, there were no meaningful national political parties and, tragically, no national leaders, no Gandhi nor Mandela.
It is a trope among critics of modern Africa that colonialism left no graduates, no ‘educated’ locals capable of taking over at independence. Nigeria undoes this solecism. Bourne cites tens of thousands of pre-1960 Nigerians with tertiary education, a sizeable cadre that would yet prove incapable of developing their country.
Those talented local leaders dwelt on their own fiefdoms. Civilian rule was tried in the 1960s only for the army to step in brutally when regional horse-trading led to gridlock. Bourne tells how the school-age son of a murdered Nigerian prime minister was given sanctuary by a kindly prep-school headmaster in England.
If chutzpah was shown by colonialists, the failing Nigerian leadership would show it in spades when it came to corruption. Not for them the occasional porn video or moat-cleaning claimed on expenses. Bourne takes us through the monumental skulduggery that filched much of the trillion US dollars the country has received in oil income since 1960. He writes of ‘Mr Ten Per Cent’, a politician who decimated tenders; the widow of a dictator caught fleeing with 38 suitcases stuffed mostly with cash; and a recent report that in a country with 36 states, 23 governors face accusations of graft. Yet with an MP earning a million pounds a year, the venality of local politicking is hardly surprising.
If anything Bourne is guilty of understatement when he calls Nigeria’s first hundred years ‘turbulent.’ But to focus on the corruption and political crises is perhaps to miss the point. For a country so vast and diverse, Nigeria’s greatest achievement is its continued existence as a single nation. If that diversity can be harnessed, then the next hundred years promise a spectacular new history for Africa’s giant.
•The book A New History of a Turbulent Century, was written by Richard Bourne. This review by Tim Butcher was published in The Spectator.
http://www.ngrguardiannews.com/2015/11/the-greatest-surprise-about-nigeria-at-100/
The founding on January 1, that year of the colony of Nigeria was an act of extreme imperial chutzpah. Desert emirates in the north and coastal kingdoms in the south had for years been under nominal control as British protectorates, but for London to unite such diversity was to believe a mosaic has no cracks. The story of Nigeria, first under Britain, later as an African nation independent since 1960, has largely been the story of those cracks.
Any attempt at a history risks being grimly repetitive. The Nigerian cycle of political crisis, economic mismanagement and civil strife might appear relentless. To the outsider, Biafra and Boko Haram, Abacha and Abiola, coup and corruption can merge into one. So Richard Bourne is to be congratulated for avoiding such sameness in his ‘new history.’ By focusing on the streams that have shaped the nation, he captures one that is multi-dimensional in its fault lines, tantalising in its possibilities yet exasperating in its performance.
He lays out how traders drove Britain’s interest in Nigeria, one begun by the Scottish explorer Mungo Park’s 18th-century charting of the Niger river. It did not end well for Park, who would drown in the river — an omen perhaps for Britain’s relationship with the delta and its vast hinterland.
Just as in India, Bourne shows how in West Africa it was commerce that came first, with colonialism only being retro-fitted. Instead of Robert Clive’s profiteering East India Company, we have palm-oil monopolists fixing prices, the Royal Niger Company and colonial officers gerry-mandering elections. So diverse were local chieftaincies, fiefdoms and monarchies that it took the wife of a British governor-general to name the ensemble. In an 1897 letter Flora Shaw suggested one drawn from the mighty river — Nigeria.
The colonial period 1914–1960 is not given soft treatment. While Nigerian businessmen prospered more than Africans in most racially charged parts of the continent, Bourne argues that a significant failure of British administration created in part the conditions for Nigeria’s modern malaise.
Having set up such a massive country, the colonialists were at fault for not dealing with the north-south divide, one separating a relatively wealthy, nominally Christian south, from a poorer, more conservative, Muslim north. Bourne describes colonialism’s expedient acceptance of the north’s less attractive features – de facto slavery – in exchange for local emirs willing to bend to British control. All over Africa the same mistake would be made by outsiders: instability bad, stability good, even if takes a ghastly local dictator to provide it. So when independence came, there were no meaningful national political parties and, tragically, no national leaders, no Gandhi nor Mandela.
It is a trope among critics of modern Africa that colonialism left no graduates, no ‘educated’ locals capable of taking over at independence. Nigeria undoes this solecism. Bourne cites tens of thousands of pre-1960 Nigerians with tertiary education, a sizeable cadre that would yet prove incapable of developing their country.
Those talented local leaders dwelt on their own fiefdoms. Civilian rule was tried in the 1960s only for the army to step in brutally when regional horse-trading led to gridlock. Bourne tells how the school-age son of a murdered Nigerian prime minister was given sanctuary by a kindly prep-school headmaster in England.
If chutzpah was shown by colonialists, the failing Nigerian leadership would show it in spades when it came to corruption. Not for them the occasional porn video or moat-cleaning claimed on expenses. Bourne takes us through the monumental skulduggery that filched much of the trillion US dollars the country has received in oil income since 1960. He writes of ‘Mr Ten Per Cent’, a politician who decimated tenders; the widow of a dictator caught fleeing with 38 suitcases stuffed mostly with cash; and a recent report that in a country with 36 states, 23 governors face accusations of graft. Yet with an MP earning a million pounds a year, the venality of local politicking is hardly surprising.
If anything Bourne is guilty of understatement when he calls Nigeria’s first hundred years ‘turbulent.’ But to focus on the corruption and political crises is perhaps to miss the point. For a country so vast and diverse, Nigeria’s greatest achievement is its continued existence as a single nation. If that diversity can be harnessed, then the next hundred years promise a spectacular new history for Africa’s giant.
•The book A New History of a Turbulent Century, was written by Richard Bourne. This review by Tim Butcher was published in The Spectator.
http://www.ngrguardiannews.com/2015/11/the-greatest-surprise-about-nigeria-at-100/
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